As the Sixers have struggled to maintain offensive consistency this season, the dynamic between Philadelphia’s top two players, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons has received some scrutiny.
During NBA All-Star media day on Saturday, Embiid addressed the chatter that he and Simmons struggle to co-exist.
“I think it’s B.S. because when you look at the last couple years, the last two years we’ve been playing together, it was not a problem,” Embiid said, via Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer (Twitter link). “The issue is only a problem because at times our offense has struggled. I think it’s definitely going to be better after the All-Star break.”
Entering the All-Star break, the Sixers wield a 34-21 record, good for fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Simmons and Embiid, meanwhile, are enjoying typically strong individual seasons.
Embiid, now a three-time All-Star, is averaging 22.9 PPG and 11.9 RPG through 39 contests. Both numbers are down from last season, however, as he has battled some injuries. As for Simmons, he’s averaging 16.9 PPG, 8.3 APG, 7.9 RPG and an NBA-best 2.2 SPG. While the rotation for Philadelphia needs to find consistency, Simmons insists that coexisting alongside Embiid is not an issue.
“It takes time, not everything is supposed to be perfect. We’re two different people trying to figure it out,” Simmons said during his media session (via Mark Media of USA Today). “I love playing with Joel, I think he’s an amazing talent and I respect his game. I know he feels the same way about me so as long as we continue to strive and go the right way, we’ll be fine.”
” The issue is only a problem because at times our offense has struggled. I think it’s definitely going to be better after the All-Star break.”
How can Embiid say this with a straight face?
Brown is still the coach and he is turrible
Simmons can’t shoot and all the apologists in the greater Philadelphia area can say what they want, Simmons can’t shoot and he never will.
The team never gelled and quite frankly, they are heading for a rebuild because while they got the tank right, they did not draft a proper team. SMH
A coach that will help (make) both those players be held accountable for their play is needed. Both of them know they can do (and not do) whatever the hell they want on the court and the current coach cant do sh!t about it. Both can walk right upstairs, past the GM door, and strait into the owners office (without knocking) and have the coach relieved of his duties. Tough (and horrible) spot for BB to be in.
Simmons is Brett’s boy, it’ll never happen
Lol That’s what one would think because of the Australia connection but, unfortunately, … nevermind
When you have Simmons, Tobias, embiid Locked for next 4 years you are not rebuildingz
It’s not a problem until super max time. Then might as well pack it in and restart if they havent won a title. Supermax = death of a team.
Not if they are your own players. You can do salary cap manipulating
2 supermax players leaves very little room to maneuver. Houston is a prime example.
How they had capela, Eric Gordon.
Already were on the roster pre-2 supermax. You are stuck with who you go mostly.
The team needs to fire Brown. And they need to overpay for Phil Jackson for half a season see if he can get these two to work together. Phil will be respected and they will have to listen. If Phil Jackson can’t make them work then this offseason then you trade one
A 74 year old isn’t gonna fix this lol
Yea… I mean who is running the triangle in this scenario? If you had Embiid + 2 pure shooters who also play +D, then sure. All day Phil Jackson. Triangle doesn’t work with Iso (Melo example). Won’t work with Embiid and Simmons. I liked the Horford Signing, but I thought he would be used a lot differently, more in a off the bench spell Embiid and Harris and be on the court to space the floor when Simmons is in and Embiid is out.
The Horford signing was horrible
They needed someone anyone to stretch the floor Tobias plays Horford spot
Instead with that 30 mill they should of traded for some kind of floor spacer at SG
SF
PF
Anywhere but just signing him was dumb
They signed horford out of desperation. They were going over the cap they whiffed on all other free agents. They had to sign someone before they resigned Harris because they had his bird rights.
If Wiggins doesn’t work in golden state I’d probably try and flip horford for him Golden State could use horford and it’s in the west.
They should have gone for a cheaper inside scrapper rather than “Average Al”, then they have money for a shooter. I think they thought Simmons would work on that and do it. Coach Brown talks like he thought that.
They should have paid to retain Redick.
Nobody is trading for Horford
Maybe 20 years ago. Jackson’s style of offense wouldn’t work in this current NBA. Back the Brinks truck up for Jay Wright.
It’s just a matter of time before the Pacers catch them and Philly drops to the 6th seed. Hopefully they can avoid getting swept by Miami in April.
I said this before opening night and everyone said I was crazy. The 76ers will not get past 1st round, IF they even make the playoffs
“if they make the playoffs”? Well, I mean they have a 13 game lead on the 9th seed, so I don’t know I think they might get it done.
Better finish 6th than 4th or 5th. If they finish 4/5th they won’t make it to the ECF, if they finish 6th they will have a very good chance.