The Brooklyn Nets are set to visit the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, and Ben Simmons is expected to attend the game. That is a major development considering Simmons refused to play for the Sixers all season and did not travel with the team.
Simmons was traded on Feb. 10 from Philly to Brooklyn for James Harden in a swap of unhappy players. Though Simmons has not yet begun to play in games for his new team, Nets coach Steve Nash confirmed Simmons would sit on the bench for Thursday’s big game.
Steve Nash confirms Ben Simmons will sit on bench with Nets Thursday night in Philly
Nash says Ben knows reaction he will get and Steve says it will be good for him, according to @nypost pic.twitter.com/cTqpRiDWZK
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 8, 2022
That alone is a surprise. But there may be an ulterior motive at play.
Philly Voice’s Kyle Neubeck produced an extremely interest report on Tuesday. Neubeck says Simmons is expected to file a grievance against the Sixers in the coming days.
The grievance would be an attempt to recoup Simmons’ lost wages this season since the Sixers did not pay him while he refused to play for the team. Simmons has argued that he is unable to play for the team due to mental health issues.
According to Neubeck, Simmons’ representatives/team are expecting Simmons to receive boos and harsh treatment from Philly fans. Simmons’ reps plan to use the anticipated negative treatment he receives as evidence to aid their grievance. The thinking is that if Simmons receives poor treatment from the fans, that would validate Simmons’ mental health excuse.
If this is indeed the case, what if 76ers fans spread the word that they should ignore Simmons rather than boo him? That might go a long way towards helping the team save money and win a case. Neubeck says that the Sixers are believed to be in good position to win the grievance.
Jan 30, 2020; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons (25) talks to fans before a game against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
