PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — We’re officially on Ben Simmons watch.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that Simmons’ agent met with Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey and General Manager Elton Brand at the NBA pre-draft combine in Chicago this week to discuss Simmons’ future with the organization.
Related
His agent, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, “engaged” the 76ers about whether a trade is a right move, according to ESPN, but there wasn’t a trade request. ESPN said the franchise is committed to having Simmons remain a Sixer.
Some media and fans, meanwhile, argue his value has never been lower now since his failed series against the Atlanta Hawks.
Simmons’ high school coach, Kevin Boyle of Montverde Academy in Florida, believes Simmons’ offensive struggles were a confidence issue, but he’s still optimistic that he can be an elite player in the NBA.
Simmons shot a little under 70% from the foul line in high school, Boyle said on NBC Sports Philadelphia’s “Takeoff with John Clark” podcast, while taking some outside shots during games.
Boyle said he used a reverse psychology method with him.
“I almost think he needs a shot quota that he has to be put on and he has to have some type of accountability or substitution thing if you’re not doing that,” he said.
Talks between Paul and the Sixers are expected to continue through the summer, according to ESPN.