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Ben Simmons reportedly refuses to attend Philadelphia 76ers' training camp | Nick Tsagaris
www.nicktsagaris.com
Ben Simmons will not report to Philadelphia 76ers' training camp next week and prefers to continue his NBA career with another team, a person with direct knowledge of the player's plans told The Associated Press.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because discussions of Simmons' plans with the franchise have been private.
Simmons said after last season, "I love bei ng in Philly." • Key points: • Ben Simmons reportedly will not be in attendance for the 76ers training camp that is set to officially commence nex t Wednesday • The Australian basketballer copped heavy criticism followi ng the 76ers' second-round exit in last season's NBA play offs • Simmons just finished the first year of a $US177 million ($245m) max deal
www.nicktsagaris.com
Not anymore. Simmons, the number one pick of the 2016 draft, is a three-time All-Star who had been paired with Joel Embiid as the franchise cornerstones as the Sixers chase their first NBA championship since 1983.
Simmons, though, took the brunt of the blame for the top-seeded Sixers' second-round exit in last season's playoffs. He shot 34 per cent from the free-throw line in the postseason and was reluctant to attempt a shot from anywhere on the floor late in games.
That led to him spending critical minutes o n the bench. • Simmons missed a stunning 10 free throws in game five against the Atlanta Hawks as the Sixers blew a 26-point lead in a loss. • His defining moment, though, was in the game seven loss at home. • With a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter, Simmons sur rendered the opportunity to play post-season hero and passed on an open look at the rim because he was afraid he would get fouled.
Simmons did not attempt a shot in the fourth quarter in game two against the Hawks. He did the same in games four through seven — going 0 for 0 in the final period. Not one single shot in the fourth quarter over five play-off games. Simmons just finished the first year of a $US177 million ($245m) max deal.
Simmons shot 25 for 73 (34 per cent) from the line in the playoffs and missed 27 alone in the second round against Atlanta. He is a 5-for-34 career NBA 3-point shooter. The 76ers are scheduled to have media day on Tuesday (AEST), with training camp opening the next day at their complex in Camden, New Jersey.
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