CLEVELAND — Ben Simmons got his wish when the 76ers traded him to the Brooklyn Nets on Feb. 10. Yet his decision not to play for the Sixers until he was moved despite being in the second year of a $177 million contract extension remains a hot topic.
League owners privately voiced displeasure over a standout player choosing to remain sidelined with multiple seasons left on his deal. But Simmons said he was mentally unable to play for the Sixers.With family at his side, Joel Embiid is enjoying All-Star Weekend more than ever: ‘It’s a blessing’“Stepping back and putting aside [the] individual dispute, [this situation is] a reminder that these are human beings in some of the most stressful jobs out there,” Silver said.
“We have to adjust in the way society is to understanding how social media can impact people, how the media coverage affects them.Simmons has turned into public enemy No. 1 in Philadelphia following his struggles in June’s second-round playoffs series loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Fans have burned his jersey. The Philly and national media continue to mock his poor shooting.