Like everyone expected, the Ben Simmons saga remains a common talking point surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers. Even when they started the year on a high note, there was still endless drama regarding the former No. 1 pick.
In the latest chapter of this ongoing stalemate between player and organization, the Sixers fined Simmons for not joining the team on their six-game road trip. The three-time All-Star is still not ready mentally to take the floor, and a potential return date hasn't come close to being discussed. Since the team embarked on their trip, Simmons was spotted working out at Saint Joseph's University in Philly.
During the Sixers' matchup with the Utah Jazz Tuesday, fans have heard the national media give their thoughts and insights on this bizarre situation. While most of this discussion took place during halftime, there was one interesting tidbit of news that slipped in during the broadcast.
NBA TV's Kristen Ledlow said Tuesday she had spoken to some members of the Sixers organization, and there is a split on the stance with Simmons. Some reportedly feel the 25-year-old should be welcomed back, while others think it's time to cut their losses and put an end to this drama.
On broadcast just now, @KristenLedlow just said feedback from people she talked to within Sixers is split on Simmons approach. One, she said, believes they should welcome him back and he makes them better.
"Another tells me, 'We got to cut the cord and move forward.'"
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) November 17, 2021
At this point, it is not shocking there could be some pushback within this organization. When this all began, very few expected it to drag on this long. Not to mention the situation only continues to get uglier.
With each passing week, we see one side attempt their latest chess move in an attempt to gain leverage on the other. Take last Thursday for example when The Athletic published a story with extensive quotes from Simmons' agent Rich Paul during the middle of the Sixers' matchup against the Toronto Raptors.
The team has done a good job blocking out the noise, but there's no denying it has weighed on them in some capacity. This six-foot-eleven elephant in the room is brought up regularly and isn't going away anytime soon.
Despite things getting uglier at every turn, Daryl Morey has not changed his stance regarding a trade. He will not move Simmons until an offer presents itself that increases the Sixers' chances of being able to contend for an NBA championship. Morey himself has shown great patience, but it is not farfetched to think others have reached this breaking point.
Based on this reporting, there is a chance the organization has a growing problem on its hands. If this divide continues to grow as the season rages on, it could become harder to ignore the distraction. There is only the chance it leads to them pulling a trigger on a deal sooner than some might like.
Months later, there is still no telling when or how this saga reaches its ultimatum. Whether there is an internal divide or not, the Sixers cannot allow it to interfere with their task at hand on the basketball court.
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