Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid have been touted as the future of the Philadelphia 76ers franchise and the duo that is going to help the team win its first title since 1983, but Elton Brand apparently feels that one of the two is expendable.
Chris Sheridan of the New York Daily News reports that Brand, the general manager of the Sixers, made it known to ownership before the trade deadline that he believed the possibility of trading Simmons should be explored. The reason for that is Brand does not feel Simmons is coachable, and he feels that will lead to him being “annually exposed” in the playoffs.
Brand’s idea was shot down immediately, according to Sheridan. The GM was told both Simmons and Embiid are untouchable, even if including Simmons would mean being able to acquire a player like Anthony Davis.
Simmons apparently does not see eye-to-eye with 76ers head coach Brett Brown. Sheridan’s report goes on to say that the “stomach virus” Simmons had that forced him to sit out Philly’s loss to the Magic on March 25 was actually a hangover, as Simmons had been out partying in Orlando the night before the game.
For what it’s worth, Simmons was plenty effective in the Sixers’ blowout win over the Brooklyn Nets in Game 2. He recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds, though he was held to just nine points in Game 1.
We know at least one Nets player doesn’t think much of Simmons, and it’s possible Brand isn’t as sold on his superstar status as much as some other members of the 76ers’ front office.
