Sixers' Joel Embiid on Ben Simmons: 'Our job is not to babysit somebody'
More details from the wild events during the Philadelphia 76ers' team practice Tuesday continue to emerge, as both head coach Doc Rivers and star center Joel Embiid have since spoken to reporters.
The morning began with news that enigmatic point guard Ben Simmons had been thrown out of practice and suspended for the team's season-opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. According to multiple reports, Rivers had asked Simmons multiple times to join a defensive drill, but after the latter refused twice, Rivers told Simmons that he should go home. The three-time All-Star dropped the ball and then left the facility.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday afternoon that the team has decided to fine Simmons as well.
According to ESPN's Tim Bontemps, Rivers said that if the Sixers practice on Thursday, he expects Simmons to be back on the court with his teammates.
"My job as a coach is to keep trying to get guys to buy in … that’s my job. I’m not going to stop my job," Rivers said, via Bontemps Twitter feed. "I’m going to give Ben every chance to be part of the team … as a coach I have to protect the team first.”
Here's some of what Embiid had to say on the matter.
The Sixers played the Pelicans on the road at 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
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