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Joel Embiid on what would happen if the 76ers didn’t trade Ben Simmons



With Thursday’s NBA trade deadline drawing to a close, talk of a potential Ben Simmons deal has gained momentum in recent days.

Simmons, who is yet to fit in with the Philadelphia 76ers this season, remains steadfast in his desire to move to a new team and despite internal drama in the locker room, the 76ers find themselves the fifth seed in the Conference East, only 2.5 matches returned to the top of the table.

After the 114-109 loss to the Phoenix Suns, big man Joel Embiid was asked about the possibility of Simmons returning to the squad in his quest to win the championship.

“Whoever wants to play is welcome.” Embiid told reporters. “If someone wants to play, they’re welcome. But we have people here who want to be here, showing up every night.”

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Embiid is in the midst of the best basketball phase of his career, averaging 29.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.4 bocks per game on splits. 498 / .358 / .812, confidently insert yourself into the MVP conversation.

While he takes on the lion’s share of responsibilities on the field, the recently named All-Star starter doesn’t let off-court distractions affect the team, telling reporters that letting Simmons play is not a good idea. is his responsibility.

“At the end of the day, it’s not our job to babysit someone else,” he say.

Embiid continued that line of thought throughout his post-game media availability.

I get paid to deliver results and win games, I don’t get paid to babysit Tyrese [Maxey]. I get paid to do the same thing as Tobis [Harris] and all the other people, and they respond to it, all the time. And just like how they challenged me, they knew it was never personal. I always go with them and they always come back to me because we have the same goal. We want to win.

To answer your question, nah [I don’t feel a responsibility]. I’m just worried about the people who are here. And for those of you here, if you’re here, I’ll challenge you and we’ll challenge each other to be better and try to win the championship.

Simmons’ desire to leave town began after negative comments from head coaches Doc Rivers and Embiid following his Game 7 performance against the Atlanta Hawks in last season’s playoffs.

Tonight’s Embiid comment sends a clear message.

While Embiid still insists that having Simmons on the field will bring them “best chance to win” and the 76ers as the “better team” with the Australian on the field, his frustration with the situation has been evident since before the season even started.

Simmons’ name has been linked to a number of destinations at the time of trading, with the move to Brooklyn Nets for James Harden seems most likely if a deal materializes.

76ers have the right to choose. Waste a season of dominance from their best player by not surrounding him with the right pieces. Or keep for maximum value for Simmons in the summer.

Either way, despite the excellent Tyrese Maxey play, the 76ers know full well that they need to fill a Ben Simmons-sized hole in their roster if they are going to have a real shot at winning the title this season.

“We must have another guardian,” Doc Rivers says. “We just do.”





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