For a multitude of reasons, the 2021-22 regular season has been a roller-coaster ride for the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite multiple obstacles to overcome, they are still a .500 team sitting at a record of 15-15. While most of the Sixers' hurdles have come on the court, the biggest cloud hanging over is what's going on behind the scenes.

Since the Sixers were eliminated by the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs, Ben Simmons has been a hot topic of conversation. After an offseason full of trade requests and rumors, the three-time All-Star remained in Philadelphia to begin the season. Almost two months later and he has still yet to appear in a game for the Sixers. Simmons has cited he is still not mentally ready to join his teammates on the floor.

A months-long standoff like this could break most locker rooms, but that has not been the case for the Sixers. From the beginning, they have conducted themselves in a professional manner. They have done what they can to show support for their teammate, but also understand the NBA is a business.

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Recently, Georges Niang appeared on The Old Man and the Three podcast hosted by former Sixers sharpshooter JJ Redick. During the episode, Niang opens up on how the team has handled the Simmons situation and their mindset through it all:

“Obviously, he addressed the team. Mentally he wasn't ready to play or still isn't ready to play. But now, we're focused on who is playing tonight and how are we going to get through tonight. Doc [Rivers] has made a great point of just being like, we're going to take it one battle at a time, one day at a time.”

The Doc Rivers element in all of this gets overlooked tremendously. Say what you want about him, but not many coaches could have handled this better than he has. Rivers has always been known for building strong cultures, and that has helped him guide this team through a tough time.

No matter what has happened regarding the Simmons saga, the team has kept its focus on the basketball court. Putting all their time and energy into their play has been, and remains to be, the best way they should conduct themselves. Whatever happens at this point is out of their control, so there is no point worrying about it.

Sixers players did all they could during training camp to voice their support of their teammate. Now, all they can do is sit back and see how it plays out like the rest of us.

Rivers and the Sixers should be applauded for how they've been able to conduct their business through this situation. Their work will be cut out for them once again as Simmons' name will be brought up regularly until the trade deadline, and perhaps beyond.