The shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers took the court Monday night for a preseason matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Despite the Sixers picking up a victory and multiple young players standing out, the biggest story of the night did not take place on the floor.
Before tip-off, news broke that conversations between the Sixers and Ben Simmons were advancing, and the three-time All-Star might return to Philadelphia. Then midway through the third quarter, a new report emerged that Simmons flew to Philly to take a COVID-19 test in attempts to clear protocol.
These updates drastically change the landscape of the situation, as many expected the former No. 1 pick to never suit up for the Sixers again. In a quick turn of events, there is now a small reality that Simmons will be on the floor for the Sixers in their season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Sixers are hopeful to start moving toward the next steps of a return with Simmons, per sources. Organization wants him back on the court once he clears protocols, but that remains to be seen. https://t.co/4Zc3gUp50R
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 12, 2021
Following the win Monday night, players were asked their thoughts on Simmons ending his holdout. Joel Embiid might have aired his grievances towards his All-Star teammate during training camp, but he is still happy to see he had a change of heart.
“It's good for the organization. That's something that everybody wanted. I've always said that I believe he gives us the best chance to win. We're a better team with him than without, that's for sure. I'm happy that things are resolved, and we can move on and try to be a better team,” said Embiid.
Later on, Furkan Korkmaz also had a positive outlook on Simmons potentially coming back to the Sixers.
“It looks like he's back, first of all. It's good to hear that he has a chance to be back here. I'm also happy to see him again. I cannot wait to play with him on the court. I hope it's going to be the best situation for him and for us to be on the same court again,” Korkmaz added.
Hearing players be open to the idea of Simmons returning is a positive for the Sixers. Doc Rivers said before the game that the idea that players would hate a teammate for such a situation is way overblown, and he might be right. Even after everything that went down this summer, it appears the locker room is ready to embrace Simmons if he decides to come back.
Embiid's calm response is a testament to the growth in his maturity. He has every right to be mad at Simmons for his actions and some of the rumors that have come with it, but his focus remains on winning basketball games. The MVP runner-up is well aware the Sixers are at their best with Simmons, and he seems ready to put water under the bridge and put all the focus on the court.
With the rest of the Sixers appearing unfazed by what went down this offseason, it might increase the chance Simmons ultimately decides to don a Sixers' jersey again.
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