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Will Ben Simmons Pay Heed to Coach Doc Rivers’ Public Call to Stay in Philadelphia?

After a rough couple of months, it was reported that Ben Simmons finally wants out of the 76ers. Various sides showed interest in the Australian after speculations that he is set to leave his former side. However, his coach at Philadelphia, Doc Rivers has recently expressed his intention to keep Simmons next year. Contrary to the reports, Rivers has lauded his player.

As per numerous sources, Ben Simmons decided that he never wants to represent the Philadelphia 76ers again. The decision comes after a lot of criticism thrown towards Simmons, who has also apparently stated that he will not attend the side’s training. Some sides that showed interest in the 25-year-old include the Clippers and Warriors. But now, a latest revelation may just see these interests die down.

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76ers coach Doc Rivers wants to keep Ben Simmons

DENVER, CO – JANUARY 12: Doc Rivers of the LA Clippers leaves the area floor after receiving a technical foul, which resulted in a second technical and an ejection during the fourth quarter of Denver’s 114-104 win on Sunday, January 12, 2020. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

In the 2020-21 season, the guard-forward averaged 14.3 points overall. Though it wasn’t his best outing, Simmons is still a vital addition to the side. Contrary to all the talk surrounding the 76ers wanting to show Ben the door, his coach Doc Rivers has expressed his intent to convince the star player to stay. The #25 has played a crucial role in his setup, and he has confirmed that he will do whatever possible to retain Simmons.

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“We hear it all, Stephen A, but we’re not going to give up on him [Simmons],” insisted Rivers in a recent interview. “I love how he plays, I love a lot of the things he does for this team [76ers]… I look at last season as a first step, not a last step.” 59-year-old Doc, who will lead the Philadelphia side again next year, wants to keep Simmons. “I can tell you upfront, we would love to get Ben back. If we can, we’ll do that. We want him back.”

Doc on Ben wanting out:

We hear it all, Stephen A., but we’re not going to give up on [him].

I love how he plays, I love a lot of the things he does for this team … I look at last season as a first step, not a last step.

— Nekias (Nuh-KY-us) Duncan (@NekiasNBA) September 22, 2021

The never-ending Ben Simmons saga seems to be taking multiple twists and turns. Where do you think the guard-forward will end up next year? Is a sensational move to a new setup imminent? All our questions will be answered soon.

The post Will Ben Simmons Pay Heed to Coach Doc Rivers’ Public Call to Stay in Philadelphia? appeared first on EssentiallySports.