bleacherreport
Ben Simmons has publicly criticized Daryl Morey, the former Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations, for his role in the events that led to Simmons' holdout and eventual trade during the 2021-22 NBA season. In ESPN's 'Being Ben' documentary, Simmons asserted that Morey's actions and public statements made it clear he wanted Simmons out, prompting Simmons to refuse to report to the team.
Simmons explained, "Especially come from up there, up top and upstairs, you're vocally saying you're trying to get me out of there or set things up or whatever. I think at that point I'm one of those people, like I'm going to show you, you don't want me here? F--k it, I ain't coming in." He added that the situation was not about not wanting to be in Philadelphia but rather a response to someone in the organization trying to push him out and making promises to James Harden. Simmons also stated that he doesn't believe Harden and Morey have a relationship anymore, describing the NBA as a business with "some good guys in there and some bad guys and some people you can't trust. There's some snakes. And I think he's one of them."
Morey had been hired by the 76ers one year before Simmons' holdout. The documentary also revisited the infamous practice where Simmons was kicked out, with conflicting reports about whether he had a phone in his pocket. Former head coach Doc Rivers provided his perspective, saying, "I think that was way overblown than what it was. Ben didn't want to be at the practice, nor did I think he should be at the practice. I didn't even notice the phone. I just noticed he didn't want to be on the floor, didn't want to do anything. But it wasn't some yelling match or anything like that... And it wasn't like he was going to fight it. He wanted to go."
Since leaving the 76ers, Simmons, 30, has been limited by injuries, appearing in only 108 games over the past five years and sitting out the entire previous season. He signed with the Sacramento Kings in the recent offseason and is projected to be a starter for the 2026-27 campaign.
Key Analysis
Simmons' candid remarks shed light on the fractured relationship between him and the 76ers' front office, particularly with Morey. The documentary offers a platform for Simmons to share his side of the story, while Rivers' comments downplay the practice incident that became a symbol of the standoff. As Simmons attempts to revive his career with the Kings, these revelations add another layer to the narrative of his turbulent tenure in Philadelphia.
Originally reported by bleacherreport.