Photos of Ben Simmons training tell us everything about his return

Ben Simmons has officially returned to his team, but photos from his latest training session show it really isn’t what it seems.

Ben Simmons has trained with the Sixers for the second consecutive day, but photos from Tuesday’s (AEDT) session tell us everything we need to know about his trade saga.

Reporters spotted some explosive details in his training behaviour during the session, which was the first time media outlets were allowed to film Simmons in action since the end of the 2020-21 NBA season.

The Sixers have told reporters Simmons will hold his first press conference since returning to the team on Wednesday (AEDT) ahead of the team’s NBA season-opener against New Orleans on Thursday.

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In the aftermath of the season-ending loss to Atlanta in last season’s playoffs, Simmons has been pushing for a trade away from the Sixers with four years and $AUD200 million still remaining on his contract. But Philadelphia hasn’t been able to come to terms with another team, unwilling to part with Simmons unless offered an attractive trade package in return.

Ben Simmons was filmed not participating in a team huddle. Photo: Twitter, @JamieApody.

Coach Doc Rivers has repeatedly said he wants Simmons to play for the team this season and is actively trying to convince Simmons to stay, despite the Australian demanding to be traded.

Reporters have now exposed exactly where Simmons is at in his trade stand-off with the 25-year-old completing Tuesday’s practice session with his phone in his pocket and some questioning his commitment.

A video captured by Philadelphia TV sports presenter Jamie Apody also captured Simmons snubbing the team’s final huddle and “hands in” moment before being the first player to head to the locker room at the end of the session.

Here’s @BenSimmons25 (in the back) not participating in the post-practice huddle with the @sixers before quickly exiting the floor @6abc@espn@NBATV#sixers#bensimmonspic.twitter.com/2uq7YAu5E1

— Jamie Apody (@JamieApody) October 18, 2021

The fact that he trained in trackpants with his phone did not go unnoticed.

Today was Ben Simmons’ second practice back with his #Sixers teammates. The team says he will speak with the media tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/cC6nALtEry

— Dave Uram (@MrUram) October 18, 2021

Ben Simmons practiced with his phone in his pocket LMAO hes not even trying 😂 pic.twitter.com/jvPC6CDu9w

— Zach Schwartz (@zachzachzach) October 18, 2021

It is perhaps yet another sign of how broken the relationship is.

Simmons only returned to the 76ers last week, reportedly without telling the team, on the back of being fined more than $1 million for missing the side’s pre-season camp.

Simmons hadn’t spoken to his coach for two months prior to his return.

Despite the questions about his training, Sixers teammates and Rivers continue to speak flatteringly about the Melbourne product.

Rivers said he was optimistic Simmons will re-capture his chemistry with the team.

“It’ll grow, it’ll come back,” he said.

“You see a little bit at a time and way more today than yesterday. And it’s just gonna keep getting better. I’ve been in this situation before, this is how it works.”

Rivers is still uncertain if Simmons will play in the season-opener.

Ben Simmons training with his phone in his pocket. Photo: Twitter, @MrUram.

Sixers young talent Tyrese Maxey also said of Simmons: “Friendships are bigger than basketball. Ben’s been a friend since before I got drafted”.

There were reports Simmons was prepared to sit out the season if a trade couldn’t be arranged, but the heavy financial penalties of continuing to hold out were starting to bite and he came back to Philly — where he will at least start the season, if not finish it as a trade remains his priority.

Rivers spoke about Simmons’ presence at his first practice of the season earlier this week and denied there was any awkward energy in the room.

“It was good,” Rivers said. “Overall, he was in and out. It was not a great practice — not because of Ben, more because of taking a day off and having three days before the first game,” Rivers said.

“But overall, it was good today.

Ben Simmons is officially back. (Photo by Christian Petersen /Getty Images North America/ AFP)

“We just introduced (Simmons) like we always do when a new guy comes back or the old guys comes back. We jokingly did it. We did it with Tobias (Harris) as well, because he’s been on vacation and Matisse (Thybulle) as well.

“But as I told you before, the players pretty much welcome guys back.”

As for whether Simmons would be reintroduced to the Philadelphia locals — who have every reason to throw shade at the three-time All-Star over his off-season drama — at a home game, or if he’ll make his return on the road, Rivers said he’s “not even thinking about that”.

“I’m just trying to get him back comfortable and integrated,” Rivers said. “There’s no game plan there. I can tell you that.

“When he’s ready, he’ll play.”