Joel Embiid calls Ben Simmons’ situation ‘disrespectful borderline’, says 76ers are built around Simmons

Philadelphia 76ers all-star center Joel Embiid responded to a report Thursday that Ben Simmons no longer wanted to play alongside him due to his style of play. Simmons has requested a trade away from Philadelphia and he plans to stay. away from the Sixers until his wish is granted.

While Embiid noted that he still thinks the Sixers are better off with the finalist for Field Defensive Player of the Year, he also brushed off the idea that Simmons’ dissatisfaction with his role in Philadelphia is in some way. so his fault. Embiid said he’s modified his own game to better suit Simmons’ sides, and added that he feels Philadelphia’s rosters have always been built around Simmons, who prefers to operate on the ball. in the hands due to his inability to space the floor with a shoot. Both of these things are objectively true.

“It was quite surprising to see” Embiid said of the report. “We will say that even going back to why we signed Al [Horford]. We got rid of Jimmy [Butler], which I still think was a mistake, just to make sure he needed the ball in his hands, and that’s the decision they made. Like I said, it’s surprising … Most of my career I’ve had to sort of go back to the 3 point line, which I don’t mind. I like to be a basketball player. I like to do everything on the basketball court.

“But I feel like our teams were built, whether it was the necessary shoot or five stretches and that sort of thing, I feel like he’s always had it here.” , added Embiid. “And we still have it. Seth [Curry] is one of the best 3 point shooters of all time. Danny Green, Tobias is a 40% 3 point shooter. Furkan [Korkmaz] coming out of the bench. Sometimes shake [Milton], I think he can be a better shooter, but you know he can get hot. We just added Georges [Niang]. So I have the impression that our teams have always been built around his needs. ”

Embiid has also spoken publicly against Simmons’ position and decision to stay away from the team for the first time, calling it “bizarre” and “borderline disrespectful.”

“I’m really focused on the guys who are here,” Embiid said. “The situation is weird, disappointing, bordering on disrespecting all the guys who are fighting for their lives. Some guys rely on the success of the team to stay in the league and make some money. one way or another. Because if you’re on a winning team, you’ll always have a place in the league, just because you’re on a winning team and you’ve contributed. ”

After playing well for the first few days of training camp, Embiid clearly didn’t want to hold back. The big guy’s comments probably won’t help the situation at all, but at this point it doesn’t really matter as the relationship between Simmons and the Sixers appears to be irreparable. Even if Simmons eventually joins the team for financial reasons, a trade is almost inevitable.