Joel Embiid on Ben Simmons’ return: ‘It doesn’t need to be awkward’

Has Ben Simmons been a distraction? Are the Sixers prepared to accept him back into the locker room? Can you know the answers to these questions when he hasn’t spoken to certain power players in the organization since the season ended? Fair questions to ask, especially when Joel Embiid is one of the people who has been boxed out, as he admitted himself on Monday night. “I personally haven’t talked to him since the season ended. Obviously, I tried, but it wasn’t successful as a lot of my teammates have. It’s unfortunate the whole situation happened, but we’re a better team with him on the floor. I think there are going to be some adjustments, but it doesn’t need to be awkward,” Embiid said. “We are professionals, we want to win. I want to win. He gives me the best chance to win, so that’s what I’m going to go with.”
Source: Philly Voice

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Ben Simmons reports to Philadelphia 76ers #NBA
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/12… – 6:56 AM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA column: If Ben Simmons isn’t available to open the season, Doc Rivers and the #Sixers ‘pretty much know’ who will take his spot with the starters: bit.ly/3v6ViEL pic.twitter.com/tP5kTJFmnl – 6:50 AM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid on welcoming Ben Simmons back into the locker room: “I think there’s going to be some adjustments, but it doesn’t need to be awkward. We’re all professionals. We want to win. He gives me the best chance to win … We’re going to be fine.”
inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… – 6:37 AM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA story: Joel Embiid looks forward to Ben Simmons returning because it’ll make the #Sixers a better team, but ‘I think there’s going to be some adjustments’ bit.ly/30i9gsc #76ers pic.twitter.com/usU0ettxIM – 6:30 AM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
‘I’m still not convinced Ben Simmons will play for Sixers again’ by Locked On 76ers – Daily Podcast On The Philadelphia Sixers megaphone.link/LKN1139800898 – 6:07 AM

Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
We should finally have some clarity on the Ben Simmons situation today. Can we have a daily-double with Kyrie? Or is that asking to much? – 4:59 AM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Ben Simmons arrives in Philly for COVID test; Sixers want him back inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 4:55 AM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Final ESPN story on Ben Simmons’ surprise return to the 76ers on Monday night: es.pn/3mDxS60 – 2:23 AM

Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
Ben Simmons in Philly pic.twitter.com/ccZX0aNGkO – 1:43 AM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Joined @NotthefakeSVP on Ben Simmons and a wild day in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/UQp6Q2Z3HM – 1:25 AM

Kane Pitman @KanePitman
This Ben Simmons story reminds me of the time I showed up to the grocery store for a shift as a teenager after not having worked there for six months. They promptly told me I was off the books and to go home. Needed that guaranteed contact. – 1:02 AM

Dan Favale @danfavale
ben simmons outside the sixers facility pic.twitter.com/cST2pr4dBU – 12:50 AM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#ICYMI: Ben Simmons arrives in Philly for COVID test; Sixers want him back inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… via @phillyinquirer – 12:43 AM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Ben Simmons is back in Philadelphia. And his Sixers teammates say it doesn’t have to be awkward — but they weren’t sitting around waiting for him to get here as they’ve prepared during the preseason
phillyvoice.com/ben-simmons-re… – 12:25 AM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Joel Embiid on Ben Simmons’ potential return to the Sixers: “There’s gonna be some adjustments, but it doesn’t need to be awkward. We are professionals. We want to win. I want to win. … He’s just come in and buy in, and we’re gonna be fine.” – 12:16 AM

David MacKay @DavidMacKayNBA
When it comes to Ben Simmons, no news is good ne—
I’m just playing. No news is apparently enough to report on every single day for several months.
Breaking: Simmons is a triple-sneezer! Those are elite numbers. – 12:11 AM

Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Ben Simmons at practice tomorrow pic.twitter.com/T1YKiOlhoh – 12:10 AM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Updated #NBA column: If Ben Simmons isn’t available to start the season, Doc Rivers and the #Sixers ‘pretty much know’ who will take his spot with 1st unit: bit.ly/3v6ViEL pic.twitter.com/V3RbnmYAHO – 11:35 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid and the rest of the team give their reactions to Ben Simmons’ return to the city #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2021/10/11/joe… via @SixersWire #NBA – 11:30 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
And one non-Simmons topic from Joel Embiid, a very complimentary answer about Andre Drummond that began like this: “He’s a great guy, obviously I kicked his butt and he knows it too.” pic.twitter.com/a2vGyJTZuI – 11:25 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Updated #Sixers story: Joel Embiid on a potential Ben Simmons return: ‘I think there’s going to be some adjustments, but it doesn’t need to be awkward’ bit.ly/30i9gsc #76ers pic.twitter.com/z5aARuY5vQ – 11:17 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Joel Embiid on Ben Simmons potentially returning: “It’s good for the organization… We’re a better team with him than without, that’s for sure. So I’m happy things are resolved.” pic.twitter.com/NSuh2dSrn4 – 11:15 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Full Joel Embiid quote on what the locker room reaction would be if Ben Simmons returns. pic.twitter.com/Q8AlbDasjq – 11:03 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid: ‘I tried (to talk to Ben Simmons), but I was unsuccessful. … There’s going to be some adjustments, but we’re going to be fine.’ – 10:45 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Joel Embiid says he hasn’t talked to Ben Simmons since last season ended. Says he tried but it wasn’t successful #Sixers – 10:44 PM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Joel Embiid (with a smile) on Andre Drummond: “He’s a great guy. Obviously I always kicked his butt, and he knows it, too.”
Embiid says he has a “lot of respect” for Drummond and thinks he’ll be key for the Sixers this year. – 10:40 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid jokingly on Andre Drummond: “He’s a great guy. Obviously, I always kicked his butt, and he knows that.” #Sixers – 10:39 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Joel Embiid said he’s happy Ben Simmons is back in Philadelphia and Simmons ‘makes us a better team’ pic.twitter.com/jznCicbiYl – 10:37 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid on the Simmons situation: “I’m happy that things have resolved and we can move on and try to be a better team” – 10:36 PM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Joel Embiid says Ben Simmons’ arrival in Philadelphia is “good for the organization” and the Sixers are a better team with him. – 10:36 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Joel Embiid says he isn’t sure if Ben Simmons is going to play for the #Sixers but made it clear that getting Simmons back gives them the best chance to win – 10:36 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid says that Ben Simmons being back is good for the organization and that he gives the team their best chance to win right now #Sixers – 10:36 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“It’s good for the organization. It’s something that everybody wanted.” – Joel Embiid on hearing that Ben Simmons is back in Philly. – 10:35 PM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Joel Embiid: “Isaiah Joe’s going to be in the league for a long time and he’s going to be really good.” – 10:34 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @ForbesSports
Ben Simmons Returns To Philadelphia As Doc Rivers Says The Sixers Would Love To Have Him Back via @forbes forbes.com/sites/adamzago… – 10:32 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN story on All-Star Ben Simmons reporting to the 76ers in Philadelphia on Monday night: es.pn/3FG3nFe – 10:32 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers on Joel Embiid only playing 8 minutes: ‘I just didn’t like the game. That was enough. He looked great.’ – 10:29 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Doc Rivers says Ben Simmons could be at practice this week after he landed in Philly tonight #Sixers pic.twitter.com/KCCtN32BqI – 10:26 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers expects Ben Simmons to be back with the team later this week: pic.twitter.com/ChE5CHl7Vw – 10:25 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Doc Rivers jokes and says that he’s gonna call @Adrian Wojnarowski to find out what’s going on regarding Ben Simmons after tonight’s game. – 10:25 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Doc Rivers on the latest Ben Simmons story development: “I’m gonna call @Adrian Wojnarowski and find out what’s going on” – 10:25 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid + shooters seems to be an okay formula no matter how many guys are out of the lineup, and it gave the Sixers the start they needed to get an easy preseason W over the Nets phillyvoice.com/instant-observ… – 10:16 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Final: Sixers win 115-104. I double checked my typing this time.
Furkan Korkmaz (27) and Isaiah Joe (20) led the way, with Embiid dropping 14 in an 8 minute run. Ben Simmons has landing in Philly and taken a covid test. Things are about to get interesting. – 10:15 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers win, 115-104. Ben Simmons back in Philadelphia. A million other things going on in sports. Interesting night. – 10:15 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
FINAL: Sixers 115, Nets 104
Korkmaz with 27 points on 11-of-19 shooting, 4 assists and 3 rebounds as the starting point guard.
Embiid with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting in a hyper-efficient eight minutes
Drummond with 16-6-6.
Postgame should be interesting! – 10:14 PM

Bill Ingram @TheRocketGuy
In our preview of the Eastern Conference, @RandyBSP asked me where I thought Ben Simmons would be… And it looks like I was right! #BackSportsPage #NBA
open.spotify.com/episode/3Q32Wp… – 10:13 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Ben Simmons realized that he was gonna lose his starting point guard spot to Furkan Korkmaz and hopped on the 1st plane back to Philly – 9:51 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
End of 3rd QTR: Nets 73, Sixers 100
Kevin Durant (23 PTS, 7 REBS), James Harden (21 PTS, 4 ASTS) and the Nets are down bad. Despite not having Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris, the Sixers are running up the score while having their way with Brooklyn defensively. – 9:45 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Ben Simmons arrived in Philly today to take his COVID-19 test. #Sixers – 9:40 PM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Sixers All-Star Ben Simmons has arrived in Philadelphia and took a Covid-19 test — as required by NBA protocol, sources tell ESPN. – 9:36 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Another small “Fuck Ben Simmons” chant tonight during the TV timeout, didn’t gain much momentum – 9:33 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
The Nets trim the lead to 14. Andre Drummond is anchoring things in the middle for the Sixers too instead of Joel Embiid. – 9:24 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Looks like Joel Embiid’s night was done after that dominant first quarter. He was on the bench for the rest of the first half so would think this is a rest decision.
Andre Drummond is starting the second half. – 9:18 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
It appears that Joel Embiid is done for the night after only 8 minutes. He scored 14 points on 6/8 shooting and he had 3 assists. Andre Drummond starts the half for him. #Sixers – 9:17 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
No Embiid to start the second half. Drummond out there with Niang, Green, Joe and Korkmaz. – 9:17 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Sixers lead 68-49 at half. Meaningless game, still unexpected.
Isaiah Joe (14 points, 2 assists, defending Harden) continues to make a strong case. Problem for him is Furkan Korkmaz had 17 + 2 assists. Joel Embiid had 14 + 3 assists in eight minutes. KD got T’d up by Ed Molloy. – 9:06 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
I don’t even have the words for the first half I just saw out of the Nets. Yes it’s preseason, but it shouldn’t be this ugly.
Nets down 68-49 in Philadelphia at the half. The Sixers are missing Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris. Missing players aren’t an excuse. – 9:03 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Halftime: Sixers all over the Nets 68-49. Joel Embiid has gotten a lot of what he’s wanted and Brooklyn has been straight sloppy. Harden and Durant have combined for 30. Nets have 13 turnovers, but they’ve flirted with some more. – 9:02 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
All the Sixers starters are back in the game except Embiid. I’d imagine we’ll get him for a third-quarter rotation and that’s it. Niang is playing center right now, with Springer with this version of the first unit. – 8:58 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
The shorthanded Sixers lead 37-25 at the end of the first. Embiid with 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting. Korkmaz with 11 on 5-of-7 shooting. The Sixers also did not commit a turnover. – 8:32 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
After one quarter of play, it’s Joel Embiid (14) and Furkan Korkmaz (11) leading the way over some guys named Harden and Durant*. Sixers up 37-25.
(*yes I know it’s preseason and this game means nothing just run with it). – 8:31 PM

The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
JOEL EMBIID! 😤
#NBATwitter #TrustTheProcess pic.twitter.com/q2UwaejqsI – 8:23 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Dominant opening eight minutes from Joel Embiid tonight against the Nets. 14 points and 3 assists, staking Philly to a 30-18 lead, and doing whatever he wants offensively. Sixers might be down a few guys – including, obviously, Ben Simmons – but Embiid looks regular season-ready. – 8:22 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Only preseason, yes, but we’re getting the full Joel Embiid experience tonight. One-footed jumper. Three-pointer. Acrobatic and-1 finish. And now that jam. He’s got 14 on 6-of-8 shooting and making this game fun. – 8:22 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Who will be the #Sixers second sub tonight (Drummond already replaced Embiid)? Reed? – 8:22 PM

The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
Embiid/Simmons when playing together at the same time have a record that’s above .500
When one or the other doesn’t play, they have an even .500 record.
#NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/e6Ccn721j7 – 8:19 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
The Sixers are shooting 5-6 from 3-point range to jump out to a 24-14 lead midway through the first quarter.
Not gonna get too deep on analyzing this one, because nobody is available and it’s preseason, but this is about the most spacing Embiid has had around him since 2017-18. – 8:16 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
The undermanned Sixers are shooting 7-11 and lead 18-11. Embiid has eight points. – 8:13 PM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Eight points already for Embiid, including that circus and-1 finish. But watching him hit the floor on that shot when there are so many other guys already hurt automatically makes one go “oh no.” – 8:13 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
#Sixers starting lineup: Isaiah Joe, Furkan Korkmaz, Danny Green, Georges Niang and Joel Embiid – 7:48 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
Updated #NBA story: Doc Rivers repeats that #Sixers want Ben Simmons back with team amid reports it could happen later this week, though Rivers won’t get into the details of his ‘good’ discussions with agent Rich Paul: bit.ly/30i9gsc #76ers pic.twitter.com/3WVrQzDZjO – 7:35 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Isaiah Joe, Furkan Korkmaz, and Georges Niang will start for the #Sixers tonight as Seth Curry, Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey sit out. Joel Embiid and Danny Green starting too as expected. – 7:34 PM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Doc Rivers (rightfully) wouldn’t detail any convos he has had with Rich Paul, but the head coach expects Ben Simmons to play and be accepted by his teammates whenever he returns
phillyvoice.com/doc-rivers-ben… – 7:33 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Tonight’s Sixers starters for a game in which they’re missing half their lineup: Embiid, Joe, Green, Niang and Korkmaz.
Minivan might the best option to bring up the ball? – 7:32 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Things To L👀k Out For In The Nets vs Sixers Game:
▪️Kevin Durant is fresh off of scoring a team-high 18 points versus the Bucks. He did it in 23 minutes too.
▪️Ben Simmons is out for Philadelphia.
▪️Kyrie Irving and LaMarcus Aldridge are out for Brooklyn. – 7:31 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Doc Rivers reacts to the Ben Simmons news as he gets set to possibly return to Philadelphia #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2021/10/11/doc… via @SixersWire #NBA – 6:47 PM

Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons: “Like we said from Day 1, we want him back… Have talked to just Rich Paul… Think it always works out one way or another… When, if he comes, he’ll be ready to play.” pic.twitter.com/7HojKnH3ZJ – 6:36 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons’ looming return to the Sixers: ““We’ve said from Day 1 what we wanted. That we would love to get him back. Other than that, honestly there’s nothing to report. … Our position hasn’t changed at all.” – 6:35 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
After fielding nothing but Ben Simmons questions for the first 5 minutes of his pregame presser Doc Rivers says “You guys know we have a game tonight, right?” 😂 – 6:21 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Doc Rivers doesn’t believe there will be a locker room issue if Ben Simmons returns. Says the #Sixers just want to win and Simmons helps with that. – 6:20 PM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Doc Rivers says the Sixers’ “position hasn’t changed at all” on Ben Simmons and that the team still wants him back.
Rivers says the Sixers have had “very good conversations” with Simmons’ agent, Rich Paul, but doesn’t give details on those conversations. – 6:19 PM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Doc Rivers, on the progression towards Ben Simmons returning to the team. “We’ve said from Day 1 what we wanted, that we wanted him back.”
Rivers says he hasn’t spoken Simmons directly, just Rich Paul. Said they’ve always had good conversations. – 6:19 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Doc Rivers says that from “day one we’ve said what we wanted” — that they want Ben Simmons back. “Our position hasn’t changed at all.” Says he’s talked to Rich Paul, and not Simmons, so far, but that conversations have “gone well” throughout this process. – 6:18 PM

Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Doc Rivers says there is nothing new to report on the Ben Simmons situation. Makes it clear the #Sixers still want him back at this point. – 6:17 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA story: Ben Simmons could be returning to the #Sixers as soon as later this week: bit.ly/30i9gsc pic.twitter.com/gM95hrb5av – 5:30 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA story: Could Ben Simmons be reporting to the #Sixers later this week? bit.ly/30i9gsc #76ers pic.twitter.com/Yk4M1P6pwT – 2:26 PM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Through all this drama, stinks for Embiid. Prime years could be wasted. The window is now. Makes Simmons even more aggravating. – 2:09 PM

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Ben Simmons returning to the team situation is funnier than it should be because the conversation would normally shift to how his return is going to affect Maxey’s growth/chemistry with the starters, but Doc is like: did you see that Shake Milton iso? – 1:54 PM

Anthony Puccio @APOOCH
Will more 76ers fans cheer or boo Ben Simmons? – 1:53 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
As expected, Ben Simmons just put his Moorestown house on the market, according to sources. – 1:35 PM

The Ringer @ringernba
Joel Embiid seeing Ben Simmons in Sixers training camp pic.twitter.com/cD5fCO8PR6 – 1:18 PM

Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#NBA source: #Sixers are optimistic that Ben Simmons will report ‘in the near future’ – 1:03 PM

Aaron Rose @AaronBenRose
I’m sure 76ers fans will welcome Ben Simmons back with open arms. Such a warm and forgiving group – 12:26 PM

Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
According to multiple reports, talks are progressing between the #76ers & Ben Simmons for him to return to Philadelphia as early as this week.
🔊@Sam Mitchell explains what Ben Simmons needs to do if and when he returns to the team #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/TqR9vK2zOu – 12:23 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#ICYMI #Sixers, Rich Paul in talks to bring Ben Simmons back inquirer.com/sixers/ben-sim… via @phillyinquirer – 12:17 PM

Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
#Sixers guard @Furkan Korkmaz talks about the possibility on Ben Simmons returning to the team in the near future. pic.twitter.com/c1JJAr0ZXc – 12:13 PM

Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
As reports of a possible Ben Simmons return to Philadelphia begin, here is a look at what it’s like inside one of these standoffs, with ⁦@Kelly Iko⁩.
Said one exec who has lived it: “You can’t have the player show up if he’s not all in.” theathletic.com/2850579/2021/1… – 12:09 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Furkan Korkmaz makes his case to Ben Simmons to return to the team #Sixers sixerswire.usatoday.com/2021/10/11/fur… via @SixersWire – 12:08 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
Report: Ben Simmons approaching return to 76ers nba.nbcsports.com/2021/10/11/rep… – 12:04 PM

Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Ben Simmons if he returns to the Philadelphia 76ers. (🎥 @NFL) pic.twitter.com/Pyasc9UVhx – 11:45 AM

Josh Newman @Joshua_Newman
Philly is asking too much for Ben Simmons, and Ben Simmons apparently just woke up and is not willing to stomach losing $245K per game.
Let’s move it along here and stop overanalyzing things. – 11:43 AM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Furkan Korkmaz continues to say that he would love to have Ben Simmons back on the floor. He added that he knows him very well on and off the floor. #Sixers – 11:38 AM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
ESPN story on talks progressing toward All-Star Ben Simmons returning to Philadelphia — as soon as this week: es.pn/3FyqwcN – 11:37 AM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
A Ben Simmons return appears closer than ever, as the league’s preeminent soap opera marches on phillyvoice.com/sixers-ben-sim… – 11:37 AM

Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
Ben Simmons and Doc Rivers last night pic.twitter.com/nJCK4tepeV – 11:23 AM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Discussions are ongoing between Sixers officials and Klutch CEO Rich Paul to bring Ben Simmons back
sportando.basketball/en/discussions… – 11:18 AM

Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
Sixers without Ben Simmons vs. Sixers with Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/pKbcMQqRYK – 11:15 AM

Eurohoops @Eurohoopsnet
Ben Simmons closer to returning to the Sixers but still looking for a trade
eurohoops.net/en/nba-news/12… – 11:14 AM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Ben Simmons is a gutless coward, who is going to report because of the only thing he cares about. Money. – 11:07 AM

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
The Sixers and Klutch CEO Rich Paul have made progress toward a resolution to bring Ben Simmons back to Philly, per @Adrian Wojnarowski.
The team will continue looking for trade opportunities. pic.twitter.com/Cv8432wFhF – 11:01 AM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Who’s ready for the Simmons- Embiid reunion ? – 10:59 AM

Alex Kennedy @AlexKennedyNBA
There are five teams that have “consistently registered interest” in Ben Simmons, according to @Marc Stein.
Those teams are the Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers and Indiana Pacers: basketballnews.com/stories/wolves… – 10:58 AM

Michael Grange @michaelgrange
Turns out Ben Simmons didn’t want to lose millions over having his feelings hurt. – 10:55 AM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
A Ben Simmons return was/is inevitable. The Sixers simply aren’t going too deal him before seeing what the market looks like in the next few months. And Simmons is losing seven-figures nearly every week. The question is — will his teammates welcome Simmons back? – 10:52 AM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Hard to imagine Ben Simmons returning to the 76ers is best for anyone. I can’t see this going well. – 10:49 AM

Adrian Wojnarowski @wojespn
Sixers officials and Klutch CEO Rich Paul have progressed in talks over recent days on a resolution to bring All-Star Ben Simmons back to Philadelphia in the near future, sources tell ESPN. Discussions are ongoing. – 10:48 AM

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
After the Sixers’ first preseason game, Doc Rivers expressed concern with how his team “(got) small real quick” without Embiid and Harris. Even at full strength, their starting backcourt could be made up of 6-2 guys.
A look at Philly’s size:
inquirer.com/sixers/sixers-… – 9:57 AM

More on this storyline

“But as far as coming back and all that, we’ve made a few adjustments, and he’s just got to come in and buy in and we’re going to be fine. Last year we were the No. 1 seed. You just got to buy in and we’re going to be fine.” Save for Embiid’s extended rant on how the team has catered to Simmons with their roster-building moves, the Sixers’ players have said all the right things about welcoming Simmons back. There has been no mystery about their stance — the players have stated firmly that Simmons coming back is good for the organization and gives them a better chance to win than if he spends the season sitting in his new L.A. home. -via Philly Voice / October 12, 2021

Simmons is expected to meet with the organization’s leadership starting Tuesday at the team’s practice facility, sources said. That will be telltale for the organization to begin to discover whether there’s an opening to convince Simmons that a reconciliation is possible — or whether Simmons’ return is simply what’s needed to get the kind of trade that the Sixers want to stay contenders around All-NBA center Joel Embiid. -via ESPN / October 12, 2021

After staying away for two weeks to start the NBA preseason, 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons reported to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Monday night — much to the surprise of an organization that had expected him later in the week, sources told ESPN. -via ESPN / October 12, 2021