Due to his refusal to play for the Philadelphia 76ers, basketball player Ben Simmons was traded to the Brooklyn Nets right before the February 10 trade deadline.
Simmons was traded to the Nets along with Seth Curry and Andre Drummond, in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap.
Simmons said the reason for the lack of playing was because of his mental and physical health. In exchange, the 76ers received All-Star MVP, James Harden.
Fans say that Simmons was widely disliked by many for his lack of playing throughout his Philadelphia career.
According to English teacher Ian Smith, Simmons was a huge disappointment to the 76ers and his “unwillingness” to change is holding him back from being a top player in the NBA.
“I do feel like he certainly has let down his team,” Smith said. “He kind of exposed himself as unwilling to make the necessary changes to compete at a professional level and I do question his dedication to his craft and the game of basketball.”
76ers fans were let down without warning, causing the relationship between the fans and Simmons to decline.
“I think Simmons should apologize to fans for how he handled the whole situation,” sophomore Connor Feick said.
According to Feick, the reason for Simmons leaving Philadelphia was because of the fan reaction, but he should have handled it differently in the first place.
Although Simmons was already disliked for his lack of playing, the reasons he made for playing were what really angered fans.
According to social studies teacher Josh Myers, Simmons acted extremely disrespectfully towards those who are truly struggling with theirs.
“Mental health is very serious and I think that he made a mockery of it,” Myers said.
With this trade, the 76ers have received James Harden, and according to fans, the future of the team is looking bright.
“James Harden has had two games with over 25 points, over 10 assists and all that jazz,” Smith said. “This is one of the most exciting times to be a fan of the 76ers that I can remember in my lifetime, even going back to the Iverson era.”
Another topic of debate surrounding the trade is whether the 76ers won or lost the trade. Feick believes the 76ers won the trade.
“Although people want to say that the Brooklyn Nets won the trade,” Feick said, “I think the 76ers won the trade because we got another former all-star MVP [James Harden.]”
Other fans agree. “Trust the process,” Myers said.
The postseason is a very anticipated time for 76ers fans.
What happens in the playoffs results can decide what happens to the team’s future. This can create “problems.”
“If they lose, there’s going to be a lot of problems with coaching and personnel, as well,” Smith said.
If sports fans around the world can agree on anything, it’s that a team needs a strong fanbase.
Philadelphia sports fans showed how dedicated they were to their team and showed their strength.
Feick is ready to root for his team. “Go 76ers!” Feick said.