Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Simmons was at 76ers practice but was casually wearing sweatpants with his phone in his pocket on the court, which isn’t the best of looks.
Winding and turning constantly, it’s been hard to escape the Ben Simmons saga throughout the NBA offseason. The crux of the situation has been that the Philadelphia 76ers is that Simmons held out during most of the preseason in hopes that his trade demands would be met.
As his holdout became quite costly — though there hasn’t been any reason given as to why he actually returned — Simmons made an unannounced return to the team. Still desiring a trade, he’s rejoined the 76ers in the buildup to their first game of the 2021-22 season.
However, if optics matter, the fact that he was practicing in sweatpants with his phone hanging out of his pocket isn’t necessarily the best look for the former No. 1 overall pick.
Ben Simmons will be under the microscope now that he’s back with the 76ers
Truthfully, there are worse things than a player practicing in sweatpants. The phone in the pocket, however, does not send a great message.
What happens with Simmons now that he’s back with the 76ers is one of the great unknowns of the 2021-22 campaign. Will the Sixers look to trade him? Will he be ready to take the floor for the season-opener? If not, when will he be ready to play? There is little clarity on what will transpire from here.
It is fair to say that public opinion of Simmons has taken a massive hit over the past few months, perhaps dating back to his playoff performance. And practicing with his phone dangling out of his pocket isn’t likely to win any fans over.