Now that it appears that the talks between the Sixers and Kings have died out, what can the Sixers do with Simmons? I say let him sit. All things said, I think the current lineup for the Sixers may not go far in the playoffs, but if Simmons were playing the same thing can be said. Simmons can play a role during the regular season, but playoff time comes, he disappears, or worst than that he becomes a liability.
I can't help but flashback to last year's Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semis, to get my blood pressure up.
And when it often becomes "hack-a-ben" time, you know what the outcome was going to be. During the Atlanta series, he shot 15-45 (33%) and 34.2% from the line during the entire 2021 playoffs. So as I just said, he became more of a liability than anything else.
Then to walk away from the game and not wanting to face the wrath of the fans, coward. Now I can understand if there were some psychological issues going on around Ben's not coming back. But I'm sorry, to me he saw how other athletes that truly were suffering needed to step away from their sport and attempted to use it to his advantage. Just look when he returned to practice back in October to avoid further fines and refused to participate.
So as we move closer to the February 10 trade deadline, if the Sixers can't get fair trade, then let him sit. Let's wait until the summer and see who is available. Perhaps a Harden sign-and-trade deal might be possible. Even if Harden is out of the picture, based on what happens in the playoffs may free up other potential all-star caliber players.
The unfortunate part in all of this for the Sixers is all people have to do is watch video on Simmons in the playoffs and use this in any negotiations with the Sixers. The fortunate part for the Sixers is oftentimes in sports where a player may not do well in one place, coaches have the sense that they can fix them on another team. But for now, let him sit for as long as is needed until the Sixers feel they are getting what they want for him. All I know is I don't want to ever see him on the floor with the Sixers. He can't handle the big time in the NBA.