76ERS PLAY BY PLAY SERIES

Rival executives also watched the series against the Hawks and will inquire about Simmons, likely through his agent, Rich Paul. The public message is that the Sixers appear willing to fix his shooting woes in hopes this piece can be rescued.įew in NBA circles are buying it, though. On Monday, Rivers said the team is 'bullish' on Simmons, who made the All-NBA Defensive Team for the 2020-21 season. Morey later added, 'we're going to do what's best for the 76ers to give us the best chance to win the championship with every single player on the roster.' 'None of us can predict the future of what's going to happen in any place.' 'We have a very strong group we believe in,' he said. Morey didn't commit and declined to address Simmons' future when asked if Simmons will be on the roster for the start of the 2021-22 season. He added if a team or player's 'performance is bad, you don't want their bad performance rubbing off on your product's perception of performance.' Ponturo also noted team partners may avoid products that feature Simmons, fearing he could be traded and they'd be stuck with 'wasted material.' 'He may not be the right image right now for you,' said sports marketing executive Tony Ponturo. And should Simmons return without notable improvements to his jumper – and confidence – the wrath could get worse. Corporate partners may elect not to activate team sponsorships with Simmons' image since Sixers consumers aren't favoring him. One long-time team executive added Simmons' character and attitude will be tested this summer.īut in situations like this, and considering the sports market, Simmons' return to Philadelphia could do more harm than good. Rival executives suggest the Sixers paid that price too early and before Simmons truly improved his game. Simmons is in the first of a five-year contract valued at $177 million that will pay him $33 million next season.

76ers play by play