The Cameroonian Joel Embiid, star of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, pointed out this Thursday to the Australian Ben Simmons for “disrespecting” his teammates in his attempt to force his exit from the franchise.
Speaking to reporters, Embiid responded to reports issued this week from Simmons’ surroundings that the Australian feels the team has been built to suit Embiid’s abilities.
“The situation is disappointing, bordering on disrespect for all the boys who are here fighting for their lives,” Embiid said of the reports.
“It was something surprising to see,” said the pivot. “We got rid of Jimmy (Butler) just to make sure (Simmons) needed the ball in his hands, and that’s the decision they made. As I have said it is surprising ».
Simmons, number one in the 2016 Draft and with four more years of contract with the Sixers, has refused to attend the team’s preseason training, to which he communicated his desire to be traded.
Simmons’ future with the Sixers has been the subject of speculation since the last elimination against the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs last season, in a series in which the Australian had a mediocre offensive performance.
After the loss in Game 7 to the Hawks, Philadelphia coach veteran Doc Rivers questioned whether Simmons could be the point guard of a champion NBA team.
In early September, Embiid trusted his partner to change his mind and stay on the team.
“I love playing with Ben,” Embiid said then. Statistics don’t lie. He is an incredible player and we were all the ones who couldn’t get the job done… I hope they all come back because we know we are good enough to win. (AFP)