Sixers 'Remain Intent' on Getting Ben Simmons to Training Camp

Ben Simmons doesn't have intentions of playing for the Philadelphia 76ers anymore. After a disappointing second-round showing against the Atlanta Hawks in the

Justin Grasso | Sep 20, 2021

Sixers 'Remain Intent' on Getting Ben Simmons to Training Camp /

Ben Simmons doesn't have intentions of playing for the Philadelphia 76ers anymore. After a disappointing second-round showing against the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Playoffs, Simmons could figure he would be shopped around the league over the offseason.

Although Simmons mentioned he wanted to remain with the Sixers following the Game 7 loss to the Hawks, the veteran point guard has had a change of heart since then. Last month, key members of the Sixers' organization went to Los Angeles to meet with their three-time All-Star point guard.

Among those in attendance were President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, Head Coach Doc Rivers, General Manager Elton Brand, and Co-Managing Partner Josh Harris. The Sixers reportedly hoped to salvage the situation with Simmons after failing to find a suitable trade partner over the summer, but at this point, Simmons doesn't have any interest in reuniting with the Sixers for the 2021-2022 season.

Following that meeting, it's been well-known that Simmons intends to skip training camp. At this point, it's evident the Sixers have a slim chance of trading Simmons away before the 2021-2022 season begins officially.

Therefore, according to Marc Stein, the Sixers remain "intent" on getting Simmons back to Camden, New Jersey, for training camp this offseason. Although the 76ers remain optimistic in their ability to get Simmons back to work in Philly, Stein reports that Simmons still plans to hold out for now.

The Sixers are set to begin training camp on September 28. Training camp sessions will conclude on October 3, with the preseason beginning on October 4. While the Sixers remain hopeful Simmons will be back in uniform by then, there doesn't seem to be a lot of optimism around the league that Simmons will let up anytime soon.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.

Published Sep 20, 2021

JUSTIN GRASSO

Title: Credentialed writer/reporter covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation Email: JustinGrasso32@Gmail.com Location: Philadelphia, PA Expertise: Reporting, insight, and analysis on the Sixers and the NBA Justin Grasso is a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s FanNation. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writer’s Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoNBA