Philadelphia 76ers: Doc Rivers makes last-ditch effort to keep Ben Simmons

Doc Rivers says the Philadelphia 76ers want Ben Simmons back. 

Earlier this week, it became abundantly clear (at least from Ben Simmons’ camp) that he no longer wants to be part of the Philadelphia 76ers organization. As of right now, the Sixers have been unable to find a trade of their liking.

Less than a week before training camps open, the Sixers are acting like a team that doesn’t plan on moving Simmons before then. And that will make things all the messier between the two sides, especially considering that Simmons has already made it clear that he doesn’t plan on reporting to camp.

Interestingly enough, Sixers head coach Doc Rivers went on ESPN’s First Take in what appeared to be a last-ditch effort to keep Simmons in Philadelphia.

Are the Philadelphia 76ers just trying to save face?

I do find it interesting that this is the time that the Sixers have decided to come out and try to say they want Simmons back. Even though they haven’t exactly not said that, the postgame comments after they were eliminated from the playoffs last year told a very different story.

Rivers had a chance to throw a vote of confidence behind Simmons and declined to do so. Nevertheless, I ask, are the Sixers simply trying to save face? Did Rivers go on First Take in an attempt to make it seem as if the team wants Simmons back, for whatever reason?

Maybe in an attempt to raise his trade value or to turn face and try to make it seem as if Simmons is the only person to blame in this entire situation. Either way, I’m still bullish on the idea that the Sixers want Simmons back.

Ultimately, I still believe that Philly’s preference is to swap Simmons for another all-star and draft compensation in an attempt to chase a bigger star next offseason, or whenever one becomes available. Simmons is a really good player. I just don’t believe he fits in Philly any longer. And that’s OK, but let’s not do a fake song and dance to play the headline game.