Video: Ben Simmons Clearly Not Engaged At Sixers Practice

 

So just how does Ben Simmons feel about being back at full practice with the Philadelphia 76ers? If video leaked from the team's practice session today is any indication, it's clear that he'd like to be anywhere but there.

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 #bensimmons pic.twitter.com/2uq7YAu5E1

— Jamie Apody (@JamieApody) October 18, 2021

While the team has a post-practice huddle, Simmons can be seen in the back, behind the huddle, walking and dribbling a ball—clearly not participating. After the huddle breaks, he immediately tosses the ball and exits the floor while his teammates are still milling about together. 

Other video has emerged that appears to show Simmons also went through the paces of practice with his cell phone in his pocket, with a very disinterested look on his face.

For those looking for a sign indicating whether Simmons will be fully engaged with the team, this sneak peek just might be a clear sign. He appears to want nothing to do with them. 

Which is, of course, exactly what he's been saying all along. Until he decided, apparently, that losing all that cash for missing games and practices was something he wanted even less to do with. 

Perhaps the most interesting part of this ongoing drama will take place on Wednesday night, when the Sixers open their NBA regular season in New Orleans against the Pelicans. Will Simmons be in the lineup? If so, does he give it his all, or does he pull a James Harden on the Rockets or a Vince Carter on the Raptors, and simply not give an honest effort? 

It'll be an uneasy situation in the Big Easy Wednesday night. 

Photo Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports