In yet another dramatic twist in the Ben Simmons saga, the point guard has been suspended for a game by the 76ers due to “conduct detrimental to the team,” according to a statement released Tuesday.
The suspension reportedly stemmed from an incident that occurred at Tuesday’s practice. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers threw Simmons out during the early portion of practice, and the suspension was handed down after.
Simmons, 25, will miss Wednesday night’s season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.
“I thought he was a distraction today,” Rivers said of Simmons, according to ESPN. “I didn’t think he wanted to do what everyone else was doing.”
The 76ers suspended Ben Simmons (left) one game after head coach Doc Rivers (right) reportedly threw him out of Tuesday’s practice. APRivers said he expects Simmons to be on the court if the Sixers practice on Thursday.
“I’m going to give Ben every chance to be part of the team … as a coach I have to protect the team first,” Rivers said.
76ers head coach Doc Rivers speaks to reporters Tuesday about Ben Simmons’ suspension. AP
Doc Rivers said Ben Simmons was a “distraction” during Tuesday’s 76ers practice. APAfter a dramatic offseason where the 25-year-old requested a trade following a brutal postseason showing, Simmons returned to the team over the weekend. However, team reporters noted that Simmons looked lackadaisical in practice. Today, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported he was “not engaged,” and was subsequently thrown out.
76ers center Andre Drummond speaks with reporters Tuesday after the team suspended Ben Simmons. AP