Joel Embiid had no problem openly discussing his former 76ers teammate and current Nets forward.
For the 76ers and its fanbase, the topic of Ben Simmons is one that’s largely run its course. Sure, there’ll be some casual trolling and likely a bit of frustration if the topic heats up in discussion, but things are going well in Philadelphia overall. But it appears 76ers star Joel Embiid has done more than just bury the hatchet when it comes to any ill will toward his former teammate.
Embiid recently spoke with teammate and up-and-coming star Tyrese Maxey about a number of topics on the guard’s podcast, Maxey on the Mic, but none were more interesting than what was said about Simmons. Maxey asked Embiid to talk about his former teammate and the situation, and I can safely say that very few people could have anticipated the response.
“I’ve always been one of those people that didn’t believe [Simmons] actually needed a jumper, like he was so good, he’s just a monster…. almost as fast as you [Maxey].... freaking monster, strong, I never actually believed he needed a jumper. I just believed that you know if he could find a way to get his free throws to 75-80% that would have changed everything …” Embiid told Maxey.
Embiid then proceeded to break down how good the trio of himself, Maxey, and Simmons could have been together and cited a few mistakes made over the years, such as trading the draft rights to Mikal Bridges. But for Embiid he told Maxey that he believes Simmons leaving is the biggest mistake and “the one that got away.”
“I think that’s the perfect match… I think that’s the one that got away. I just hate the fact that the way things happened….” Embiid concluded.
