Amid Ben Simmons' trade demand, Joel Embiid has said a lot of things about his Philadelphia 76ers teammate that can be deemed negatively. However, he assured everyone he still has nothing but love for Simmons despite the situation.
Before they take on the Brooklyn Nets on Friday for their first home game, Embiid addressed the Sixers fans in attendance and asked for their support. He also wanted fans to know that they are still supporting Simmons amid the mess he has created with the team during the offseason that extended until the new campaign.
The Cameroonian kept his message simple in the end: “Ben is still our brother.”
"He’s still our brother."
Joel Embiid's message to Philly fans regarding Ben Simmons before the Sixers' opener.
(via @NBCSPhilly)pic.twitter.com/7Hk564BCNg
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) October 23, 2021
Ben Simmons is yet to join the Sixers despite ending his hiatus and returning to practice (sort of) with the team. The Aussie playmaker has reportedly made it known to Joel Embiid, Doc Rivers and the rest of the team that he is not yet mentally ready and needs more time.
Prior to that, though, Embiid has shared his frustration with Simmons and his attitude after he returned. To recall, the 26-year-old was suspended in their season opener for his blow-up with Doc Rivers during practice.
“At the end of the day, our job is not to babysit somebody,” Embiid said prior to the start of the season. “We get paid for on the court, go out and play hard, win some games, that’s what we get paid for. We don’t get paid to come out here and try to babysit somebody. That’s not our job, and I’m sure my teammates feel that way.”
Considering that Sixers fans are known to be one of the most ruthless supporters in the NBA, it's unlikely that all of them won't show their anger at Simmons and boo him if ever he still suits up for the team.
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