That doesn’t somehow erase Simmons’s abysmal postseason performance. It doesn’t stop the Sixers from shopping him. It doesn’t stop the media and talking from criticizing Ben for his disappearing act against the Hawks. I highly doubt it changes Ben’s perception of how he’s viewed in Philly.

I mean sure, Doc should’ve answered that question with more tact. I mean, the response should always be YES, we can win a chip with whoever. But Doc was asked in the moment, so I think he needs to get some level of a pass here. He shouldn’t have given the response he did, but it’s a bit bizarre if that’s fault line that permanently severed ties between Simmons and the Sixers organization.