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In fact, Embiid seemed to suggest that Simmons take a harder
look at himself without directly calling out his teammate.
In a week's worth of back-and-forth, where Simmons reportedly no
longer wanted to play for the 76ers, and Embiid saying he was
"disappointed" in Simmons' desire to move on in a trade, it was
Embiid expressing more exasperation Thursday.
Simmons has not yet reported to training camp.
"Our teams have always been built around his needs, so it was
kind of surprising to see what was said," Embiid said of
Simmons' reported declaration that his partnership with Embiid
has run its course.
"Even going back to the reason we signed Al (Horford and) we got
rid of Jimmy (Butler), which I still think was a mistake,"
Embiid said. "But (Simmons) needed the ball in his hands and
that's the decision they made. But, like I said, it is
surprising. But I'm really focused on the guys that are here."
Simmons' inability -- or unwillingness -- to take shots proved
costly during last season's playoff series with the Atlanta
Hawks. He also drew criticism for his performance at the foul
line. He made just 34.2 percent of his attempts (25 of 73) in 12
playoff games after shooting 61.3 percent during the regular
season.
Yet Embiid and head coach Doc Rivers have said the 76ers are a
better team with Simmons on the court. Simmons, though, appears
headed for a fresh start, if Philadelphia is unable to resolve
the current rift and a trade partner can be found.
"The situation is weird, disappointing, borderline kind of
disrespectful to all the guys that are out here fighting for
their lives," said Embiid, a four-time All-Star who has averaged
24.8 points and 11.3 rebounds over his first five NBA seasons.
"Some guys rely on the team to be 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.
"Obviously we're a better team with him. We're not a better team
without him, that's for sure. We are a better team with him but,
like I said, it is surprising. But I'm focused on the guys that
are here."
The 76ers made Simmons the No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 NBA
Draft. He sat out his first campaign with a foot injury, but in
275 games over four seasons, he is averaging 15.9 points, 7.7
assists and 8.1 rebounds. His 2020-21 averages -- 14.3 points,
6.9 assists and 7.2 rebounds -- were career lows.
--Field Level Media
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