01-10-2022, 11:33 AM
Marc Stein on Ben Simmons:
Quote:Two key developments:
? The Sixers continue to regard the hard-for-outsiders-to-fathom prospect of convincing Ben Simmons to come back to the team this season as their "goal No. 1," according to a source familiar with Philadelphia's thinking.
? The Atlanta Hawks, meanwhile, have emerged as a new Simmons suitor to watch, sources say, as last season’s Eastern Conference Cinderellas slide farther and farther away from the levels they reached during an unexpected run to the conference finals. The Hawks awoke Monday, courtesy of a 2-4 road trip, marooned in 12th in the East at 17-22 and down to No. 27 leaguewide in defense rating.
Skepticism is the kneejerk reaction around the league to Philly’s plan, whether that stems from the serious doubts in circulation about the Sixers’ ability to convince Simmons to rejoin them … or the belief that it’s merely a negotiating ploy to convince interested teams to improve their trade offers.