Philadelphia 76ers no longer fining Ben for missed games and practices

Ben Simmons had reportedly accumulated roughly 2 million dollars in fines during his holdout from the team.

Ben Simmons practicing with the 76ers, Image credit: Twitter
By Amruth Kalidas | Oct 26, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The Philadelphia 76ers are no longer fining Ben Simmons for missed games and practices, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne. Simmons had reportedly accumulated roughly 2 million dollars in fines during his holdout from the team, but according to Shelburne, the 76ers are offering whatever resources Simmons needs in order to improve his mental health. Simmons reportedly told the team last week that he was not mentally prepared to return to the team. 

SIMMONS AND 76ERS STILL A TRICKY SITUATION

Simmons spent the offseason trying to force the 76ers to trade him, but no deal materialized. Daryl Morey, Philadelphia’s president of basketball operations, has made it clear that he would trade Simmons only for a “difference-maker” and that this uncomfortable situation could last the entire four-year duration of Simmons’ contract. Morey joined Sixers Pregame Live on Sunday and indicated that he believes things are moving in the right direction.

“Ben came in at the end of last week and said he had back stiffness and he’s dealing with some personal reasons off the court. Both we take very seriously, we’re working with Ben to provide every resource to help him with what is needed,” Morey said. “He spoke to his teammates, things seem to be moving very much in a positive direction. We’re going to provide all the resources, give Ben what he needs, and get him out there as soon as we can.”

Philadelphia suspended Simmons for refusing to participate in a defensive drill on opening night, but his meeting with the team came after that. For now, no trade appears imminent. The sort of difference-making players Morey seemingly seeks such as Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard are not available, and until that changes, Simmons is likely to remain in Philadelphia. When exactly he’ll return to the floor, though, remains unclear.

LEBRON FOOT ‘SORE’ AFTER COLLISION

After two straight losses to start the season, the Los Angeles Lakers finally got their first win on Sunday, holding on down the stretch to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 121-118. The night could have gone much differently, however, as LeBron James narrowly avoided a serious injury in the second quarter. 

In the middle of the frame, Desmond Bane went to the rim and Dwight Howard came over to try and block the shot. He made contact with Bane, who lost his balance and fell to the ground, crashing into LeBron’s leg in the process. The Lakers star immediately crumpled to the ground, and a groan went out around Staples Center. 

“The first thing I was thinking to myself was, ‘Not again,’” LeBron said. “Because obviously it was almost similar but not the same kind of play. Guy falls into my leg and there’s nothing you can do about it and I couldn’t get my leg out of there in time.”

LeBron was referencing the play last season where Atlanta Hawks forward Solomon Hill dove for a loose ball and rolled up his leg. That play resulted in a high ankle sprain that kept LeBron out for 26 games at the end of the regular season, and left him less than 100 percent for the Lakers’ first-round playoff loss to the Phoenix Suns.

This time around, it thankfully wasn’t as bad. For one, LeBron was able to stay in and play the rest of the game, finishing with 40 minutes. 

“Just wanted to take a moment on the floor, just hopefully it wasn’t getting worse,” James said. “Had an opportunity just to tie my shoe again and see if I’m able to go, I was able to continue to go.”





Related Post

HIGHLIGHTS

Buzzwords