Ben Simmons got himself kicked out of practice on Tuesday by Doc Rivers, and the reason the Philadelphia 76ers head coach made the decision is not a huge surprise.
The 76ers announced on Tuesday that Simmons has been suspended for Wednesday’s season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans due to “conduct detrimental to the team.” Reports quickly emerged that the disciplinary action came after Rivers threw Simmons out of practice. Rivers later told the media that he felt Simmons had become a distraction.
“I thought he was a distraction today,” Rivers said, via ESPN’s Tim Bontemps. “I didn’t think he wanted to do what everyone else was doing.”
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Rivers added that he will continue to give Simmons opportunities to be a part of the team but said he has to keep the best interests of other players in mind.
Simmons ended his summer-long holdout and returned to the 76ers. Not even a week into his return, he is sent home from practice. The 76ers must figure out soon what they plan on doing with Simmons, cause as of right now, he should be part of the team.