Philadelphia 76ers recently lost to a lowly Atlanta Hawks team who are playing to more than likely acquire a top pick in this year’s draft. The 76ers have championships aspirations especially with the addition of swingman Jimmy Butler via trade.
After the 123-121 loss capped by a go ahead fadeaway jumper by second year man John Collins, point guard Ben Simmons who registered a triple double, called out his team following the game. As per ESPN, Simmons voices his displeasure with his team:
“Definitely,” Simmons said when asked whether physicality was the Sixers’ biggest problem. “I think we were too soft.”
In November, Simmons also used “soft” to describe his team — and Embiid agreed — after a 25-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets, though that was before the Sixers completed a major trade to acquire swingman Jimmy Butler from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Jimmy Butler has been known to be vocal about his feelings towards his teammates and coaches in previous stops with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves. He also wasn’t happy with the team’s performance but disagreed with Simmons ‘soft’ label.
“I hope we’re still together,” Butler said. “Nobody pointing fingers at anybody.”
Since the acquisition of Jimmy Butler, there have been reports of friction between Butler and coach Brett Brown and as well as complaints from center Joel Embiid with his usage in the offense. Embiid missed last night’s game due to an ankle injury.
For the 76ers sake they need to figure out how they can play well together if they plan to compete with the rest of the Eastern Conference for a chance to play in the NBA.
Flip the page for video of the post game conference for Simmons and Butler’s comments.