Fed-up Joel Embiid drops truth bombs on ‘selfish’ Ben Simmons

Joel Embiid is sick of Ben Simmons’ drama, the All-Star centre opening up on how he really feels about the Aussie’s time in Philly.

Everything is not alright in Philadelphia. Photo: Getty Images.

Joel Embiid has no interest in protecting Ben Simmons’ feelings, telling the truth about what he really thinks of the Aussie’s complaints as he seeks a trade away from Philadelphia.

NBA pundits have come down hard on Simmons for trying to get out of his contract with the 76ers because of the heavy criticism he copped for his poor shooting in their playoffs loss to Atlanta last season. Many, including basketball royalty Shaquille O’Neal, believe instead of sulking, Simmons should work on adding the one tool to his game that would make him a superstar — a jump shot.

He’s also been labelled “selfish” by some in the US media.

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But Simmons has made up his mind — he wants out of Philly. It’s been reported he won’t suit up for the franchise again and is willing to be fined and suspended for sitting out pre-season camp. ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne added Simmons was prepared to sit out for the entire season if a trade can’t be facilitated.

Earlier this week Sam Amick of The Athletic reported Simmons doesn’t want to share the court with Sixers All-Star centre Embiid anymore, believing the pair can’t co-exist with their similar styles of play because they hinder rather than help each other.

Well, Embiid is done humouring Simmons. The duo were supposed to be the central figures of a championship-winning roster but the 27-year-old says after all the 76ers have done to accommodate Simmons over the years — including signing players like Al Horford and getting rid of Jimmy Butler — it’s no longer on them to bow to the Australian’s wishes.

Embiid opened up on stacking the team with shooters to compensate for Simmons’ biggest weakness, so he doesn’t believe the former No. 1 draft pick has any right to cry “woe is me”.

The experiment hasn’t worked. (Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images North America / AFP)

“I feel like over the years, our team has been built around (Simmons),” Embiid said when asked about Simmons’ situation and the report about him not wanting to play with the Cameroonian anymore.

“Our teams have always been built around his needs.

“Even going back to the reason we signed Al, we got rid of Jimmy, which I still think was a mistake, just to make sure he (Simmons) needed the ball in his hands and that’s the decision they made.

“The situation is disappointing, borderline kind of disrespectful to all the guys that are out here fighting for their lives.

“Some guys rely on the team being successful to stay in the league and make money somehow. Because if you’re on a winning team, you’re always going to have a spot in the league, just because you’re on a winning team and you contributed.

“We are a better team with him, there’s no question about it. We still hope he changes his mind, but I kind of owe it to these guys to worry about what we have here.”

Some of Simmons’ angst with Philly stems from comments made publicly by Embiid and coach Doc Rivers after the Game 7 loss to the Hawks that ended the team’s season. Embiid said the turning point was when Simmons had an open dunk but infamously decided to pass under the rim, resulting in a foul and missed free throw, while Rivers has since backtracked after claiming he didn’t know if Simmons could be the point guard of a championship-winning team.

Earlier this week Embiid stood by his Game 7 comments.

Embiid is done with Simmons’ drama. Elsa/Getty Images/AFP

“I don’t think I said anything,” Embiid said at Philadelphia’s media day. “I was asked a question, what was the turning point of the game and I really believe that it was the turning point of the game.

“I don’t have any regrets because I didn’t call out anybody. I just stated the facts. I’m honest, I can’t lie, and that’s just me. I don’t have any regrets because I don’t feel like I put anybody in a situation where they had to feel bad.”

Multiple franchises have been linked with interest in Simmons but so far the 76ers haven’t been able to agree on a suitable trade package to release him. It’s left the two parties in a tense standoff — Simmons is unwilling to play ball and Philly isn’t prepared to let him go without being adequately compensated with a big-name star.