Why Philadelphia 76ers ‘sorely misses’ Ben Simmons

The Ben Simmons saga continues to drag on with the 76ers, but some key numbers prove just how badly they are missing the star.

Ben Simmons’ continued absence from the 76ers continues to create more on-court headaches. Picture: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFP

There continues to be no end in sight for Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers finding a resolution that suits both parties.

Simmons has made no secret he wants to find a new home in the league and the 76ers have no qualms in trading him.

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But getting the star to another team has proved to be nothing short of an arduous task, as Philadelphia hold out for a trade that reflects the value of a player that is a three-time NBA All-Star.

There have been plenty of rumours regarding which teams are interested in snapping up the 25-year-old, however no concrete offers have been forthcoming.

Simmons is yet to take to the court for the 76ers this season due to the Australian not being mentally ready to play and has repeatedly copped six-figure fines for missing games, practices and meetings.

After a hot start to the season, the 76ers now hold a 15-15 record and occupy the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Without Simmons helping out, the burden to carry the team has fallen squarely on the shoulders of Joel Embiid.

According to The Painted Lines’ Austin Krell, it’s painfully obvious that the 76ers “sorely, sorely misses” Simmons.

“Not to harp on the Ben Simmons thing, but this team is so obviously missing a catalyst on both ends of the floor,” Krell wrote.

Joel Embiid has had to shoulder the burden of carrying the 76ers in Ben Simmons’ absence. Picture: Getty Images

“There's strong individualised talent on the roster.

“But the connective tissue does not exist.

“Shooters are not as good as they need to be.

“Shots aren’t as open as they used to be.

“The transition and perimeter defence is of a different league compared to what it was with Simmons.

“The reality is this team sorely, sorely misses him.”

Not having Simmons on the court has had a detrimental effect on the 76ers, most notably when they do not have the ball in hand.

Last season on their way to an Eastern Conference semi-finals finish, Philadelphia had the second-best defensive rating in the entire league.

This season has been a complete contrast, as Doc Rivers’ team sits in 21st for the same metric.

It’s clear to see just how important of a role Simmons plays for Philly and without him the struggles are noticeable.

But as to how or when the messy divorce between Simmons and the 76ers ends?

That’s anyone’s guess.

Originally published as Why Philadelphia 76ers ‘sorely misses’ Ben Simmons