Daryl Morey discusses Ben Simmons situation in electric 97.5 interview

Daryl Morey from the top rope, my goodness. Just now, the 76ers President of Basketball Operations appeared on 97.5 to discuss last night’s victory and, more importantly, the ongoing saga with Ben Simmons. Morey didn’t say anything groundbreaking but certainly made his stance clear while uniting the entire city of Philadelphia behind him.

When discussing tomorrow’s game, Morey was unclear what Simmons’ mindset would be or if he would be playing against the Nets. But just like Doc Rivers and everyone else has said, Morey made it clear they will approach every day the same way.  Welcoming Simmons with open arms and acting accordingly otherwise if he does not participate. 

Many have been curious if the NBA would get involved, but Daryl Morey said he does not feel like the NBA would get involved at this time. The biggest takeaway from this was what seemed to be a loud and clear message to the entire basketball world.

“People should buckle in. This is going to go a long time.”

Morey: “You’re going to think I’m kidding, I’m not, this could take four years…we’re in the prime of Joel’s career…this is not a day to day [issue}]. Every day, we are going to expect Ben Simmons to be back here, or we trade him for a difference maker.”

— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) October 21, 2021

Daryl Morey loudly proclaimed that they would not be trading Ben Simmons for role players at any point. Not next week, not the deadline, and not even by the end of his contract. The franchise feels they are at their best with him involved, and Morey said he will not waste Joel Embiid’s prime and will only move him for a game-changing player. 

“I would ask the question to Sixers fans. Would you rather eliminate a distraction or have lower playoff odds?”

Another interesting note is that Morey feels the entire situation has united the locker room and the franchise instead of annoying them. Daryl Morey could not have handled this press conference any better. He made it clear repercussions would occur if Simmons doesn’t rejoin them but also wants him around the team. 

Watch Full Interview Here:

Ben Simmons is expected to come early tomorrow morning for shootaround and discuss his status for tomorrow night. Reports have circulated he is claiming an injury and is not mentally ready to return to the team and could be out for an extended period. The last piece Morey said he had not heard from Simmons, so take that with a grain of salt.

Mandatory Credit: NY Post