Four hours from now, the Philadelphia 76ers will be at the Wells Fargo Center tipping off their 2021 season home opener against the Brooklyn Nets. They will be without Ben Simmons, who as of today, had met with the team this morning and took responsibility for all of the events that unfolded over the last four months. It was finally a step in the right direction for Simmons, who will continue to be held out of team activities while he works with the 76ers medical staff on getting mentally prepared to return to team activities. 

Overall, today’s vibes around the 76ers and Ben Simmons have been better than they have been over the past four months. I think people understand that Ben Simmons needs time to grow on and off the court and we are finally on a path to doing just that. I’m feeling pretty good about the direction the Simmons saga is going, but then I saw this tweet from Sixers beat writer Keith Pompey.

The Wells Fargo Center has a new fence overlooking the players entrance underneath the ticket entry. It looks like scene from the Capital back in January. In the past fans could look down and see players enter the building. The taller fence is part of the enhanced security measures due to “fan outrage” about Ben Simmons. 

I think we should pump the breaks here. Just like when Jason Dumas said there would be “boo crowds” outside of Camden when Ben Simmons returned. There are no fans that are so outraged that they would do something crazy to Ben Simmons or any 76ers player as they enter and exit the Wells Fargo Center. Obviously I can’t say that for certain but if you stop and think about it, wouldn’t something have already happened after Game 7 if that was the case? 

I get the safety measures. I understand why Wells Fargo Center would go to these lengths. I could also see this as just a thing to show that the 76ers care about Ben Simmons and are doing little things like this to show that they want him here and aren’t publicly afraid to go these distances to make him feel more comfortable. 

Also, maybe none of this shit has to do with Ben Simmons at all and it’s new protocol at the stadium. That could also be true and honestly, the most likely scenario. Nothing can be done with the 76ers right now without it relating to Ben Simmons so who knows? I really don’t think it’s that deep but again, who knows.

Regardless, the fence is pretty ridiculous in my opinion. I don’t think it’s needed, but if this is what has to happen to get closer to Ben Simmons returning and to put all this behind us. 

***UPDATE***

Keith Pompey deleted his tweets. Apparently the gates have been there and were just put up again since it’s the home opener.

Game tips at 8PM on ESPN. 

Quick Reminder: 

Go time. 

Mandatory Credit: Stadium Journey