The 76ers’ forward weighed in on the role the three-time All-Star played in the franchise’s start last season.
Georges Niang spent a single season as a teammate with current Nets forward Ben Simmons during the 2021-22 NBA season, a year in which Philadelphia finished No. 4 in the Eastern Conference standings.
However, as the 76ers seek to maintain its No. 3 spot or rise to the top spot in the conference fresh off the NBA All-Star break, the Sixers’ forward didn’t have many nice words for his former teammate when reflecting on last season.
In an appearance on the John Kincade Show on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia, Niang said that Simmons—who was traded to Brooklyn in exchange James Harden in February 2022—was something of a burden for the team before he was dealt.
“Well, Ben Simmons kind of handicapped us at the beginning of last year,” Niang said. “I wasn’t going to say it, but you know what I mean.”
Simmons famously had a very public falling out with the team, starting with his struggles in the 2021 postseason and a trade request in the ensuing offseason. A murky situation followed, as Simmons held out of training camp then refused to play for the Sixers, saying he wasn’t mentally ready. Finally, Philadelphia completed a deal to send him to Brooklyn on Feb. 10.
Niang said that the uncertainty surrounding Simmons and his potential return to the court made it difficult on the team while he was still around. With Simmons now having moved on, Niang believes all of his teammates truly embrace each other and a collective team effort for success.
“You know you who you are going into war with every single night,” Niang said. “I feel comfortable with the pieces that we have because we do have some great players in this [Philadelphia] locker room.”