Scotto: Over the years, anytime I talked to people either around them or the league, it seemed like they coexisted, but they certainly weren’t close. Pompey: I don’t think it was any different than most top two or three draft picks who were franchise players trying to coexist earlier in their careers. They had distinct personalities. Joel was more of a homebody. Ben is more of a guy, who’s a tall, good-looking dude, who dresses well, all the women love him, and he likes going out and having a good time. That factored into it as well. It’s no different than most teams when two guys want to be the man. -via HoopsHype / November 17, 2021

A sports fan who phoned into a Philadelphia radio station was so focused on complaining about estranged 76ers star Ben Simmons that he shrugged off getting hit by a car while on the air. (Hear the audio below.) “James” was patched through when he was asked, “What’s on your mind?” “Uh, nothing, someone just hit my car,” he replied. The incredulous Angelo Cataldi and the Morning Team on 94WIP wanted confirmation that the caller had been in an accident. “Yeah, and they’re driving off,” James said. “It’s OK.” The hosts encouraged James to get a license plate number while James let them know the other driver “swerved into my lane.” “Anyway, I’m calling about Ben Simmons,” he said, unperturbed. “You just got in a car accident and you’re calling about Ben Simmons?” “Yeah,” James replied, “because he annoys me more than someone hitting my car and driving off.” -via HuffPost / November 17, 2021

The tense situation between All-Star Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers has continued, with the team fining Simmons for not traveling with the team on its current road trip, sources told The Athletic. Simmons has not played this season, citing not being mentally ready to compete after spending the offseason hoping to be traded. -via The Athletic / November 16, 2021