Sixers star Simmons excluded from training, then suspended

Simmons, 25, ejected by coach for 'conduct detrimental to team'

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Philadelphia 76ers' All-Star guard-forward Ben Simmons will miss the team's season opener after he was dismissed from Tuesday's training session for "conduct detrimental to the team."

"Sixers coach Doc Rivers threw Ben Simmons out of practice today and the suspension came shortly thereafter, sources tell ESPN," NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski said on Twitter.

"Simmons’ reluctance to physically and mentally engage with the Sixers since his return has been a consistent theme, sources tell ESPN," Wojnarowski said in another tweet.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference franchise said Simmons, 25, was "suspended for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team."

The Sixers said Simmons cannot play for the team in the season opener Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans at the New Orleans' Smoothie King Center.

The top pick in the 2016 draft, Simmons is a valuable member of the Sixers.

Simmons played 58 games and averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists in the 2020-21 season.

He won the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year award.

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