On March 9, Beijing time, according to Philadelphia reporter Kyle Neubeck, league sources revealed that Nets player Ben Simmons plans to file a formal complaint with the 76ers in the next few days to recover the fines he received during his time at Philadelphia. Separately, ESPN reporter Nick Friedell reported that it is still uncertain when Simmons will resume training, but he will travel with the team to Philadelphia and watch the Nets against the 76ers on the sidelines.
Simmons wants to recover a $20 million fine, but the 76ers have a better chance of winning
Neubeck reported that Simmons' plan to appeal had been in the making for a long time. Back last fall, there were a lot of people on the 76ers who chose to remain silent about everything simmons, realizing that arbitration could be the end result of the whole process. Anyone with a preliminary understanding of finances can also foresee this — no one wants to give up $20 million in vain. Agent Rich Paul has accused the 76ers of the fines exacerbating Simmons' mental health problems.
There is a claim circulating in league circles that Simmons appeared on the sidelines of the Nets vs. 76ers, only to lay the groundwork for the arguments when Simmons and Klutch Sports filed their complaints. Philadelphia's security forces will be raised that game, even to playoff levels, on the one hand, taking into account the increase in the number of celebrities and journalists on the one hand, and clearly considering that Simmons will appear in front of Philadelphia fans on the other hand.
Neubeck said people familiar with the NBA's collective bargaining agreement revealed that initial indications are that the 76ers are currently on the favorable side, which means that Simmons has little chance of successfully recovering the fine. Some fans posted simmons giving up the basket attacking goal (above) and joked: "Can I appeal to get this goal back?" ”
Simmons is sure to return to Philadelphia to watch the game, and when training will resume is still unknown
Friedell reported that when asked if it was a good idea to get Simmons back to Philadelphia by now, Nash said: "It's good. He's on our team now and he needs to be with his teammates and get the whole thing that came before in Philadelphia a little bit past. Maybe this will never pass completely, but the first time it is always easy to deal with these things and look forward. ”
Nash added: "I don't think he'll be naïve enough to think he won't get some boos and I hope he enjoys it and that's part of how I miss the game. It's always a little bit different and awkward to go back to any city for the first time after a trade, obviously there's a piece of history there, so that's it, he'll be fine. He's a big boy and he's excited to be on our team. He wanted to sit on the bench with his teammates. ”
When Simmons will be back on the pitch is still unclear. He has been dealing with back pain for the past week and a half and has yet to be allowed to train. The Nets' next official training session is this Sunday Beijing time. Previously, it was reported that Simmons could return in late March.
Nash said: "He's made some progress this week but I don't know if that means (being able to train on Sunday), he's not ready to play 5v5 yet, but he's improved and he'll go to Philadelphia with us. ”
Teammate Dragic also spoke about Simmons. "It's going to be unpleasant, it's the same for me as going back to Toronto, but that's the reality. We're all professional players and eventually the day will only be booed, so you just have to play and try to show yourself. But as long as nothing serious happens, don't throw things away, just talk about it, I don't care very much. ”