Ben Simmons shares his raw feelings about former Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers in a new documentary release.
Five years after a controversial playoff exit, Ben Simmons is still harboring deep frustration toward his former head coach, Doc Rivers. The star basketball player recently opened up about the strained dynamic during his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The intense comments surfaced ahead of the premiere of the new documentary titled Being Ben, which is scheduled to debut on ESPN. Simmons specifically targeted a post-game remark made by Rivers after a crushing defeat against the Atlanta Hawks, according to information published by bleache.
The public fallout ultimately reshaped the trajectory of Simmons' career in the NBA, leading to a bitter departure from Philadelphia. The guard has since navigated stints with the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, and currently the Sacramento Kings.
The playoff series that ended the partnership
The tension traces back to the conclusion of the second-round playoff series in 2021, when the Philadelphia 76ers faced elimination against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 7. During that critical matchup, Ben Simmons famously passed up an open dunk and showed reluctance to shoot throughout the entire series.
Following the heartbreaking loss, head coach Doc Rivers was asked by reporters if Simmons could realistically remain the point guard for a championship contender moving forward. Rivers offered a noncommittal response, stating he did not know the answer to that question at the time.
Simmons reacts to the controversial comment
Reflecting on that moment in the documentary, Ben Simmons admitted his immediate reaction to the coach's public statement was highly critical. The player expressed feeling betrayed by someone he expected to support him during a difficult professional crisis.
Simmons explained that when an authentic relationship exists, team personnel are expected to handle internal struggles with discretion. However, he also acknowledged the harsh business realities of the league, noting that people often panic and shift blame to protect their own coaching jobs.
From franchise cornerstone to messy departure
Before the relationship deteriorated in Philadelphia, Ben Simmons arrived as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft out of LSU. He quickly established himself by winning the Rookie of the Year award and earning three consecutive All-Star selections.
His defensive prowess was widely recognized as he earned back-to-back All-Defensive First Team nods in 2019-20 and 2020-21. Despite appearing to be a secure building block for the franchise, persistent offensive struggles permanently altered his legacy with the organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Doc Rivers say about Ben Simmons?
After the Philadelphia 76ers lost Game 7 to the Atlanta Hawks, Doc Rivers was asked if Ben Simmons could remain a point guard for a championship team, to which Rivers publicly replied that he did not know the answer.
How did Ben Simmons respond to Doc Rivers' comment?
In the documentary Being Ben, Ben Simmons admitted he felt betrayed by the remarks, stating he thought to himself, 'What a piece of s--t,' while noting that people often panic and throw others under the bus.
Which NBA teams has Ben Simmons played for?
After leaving the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Simmons played for the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, and eventually returned to the court as a member of the Sacramento Kings.
