Ben Simmons reflected on the Philadelphia 76ers’ shortcomings in the Orlando “bubble”, claiming the Sixers were not in the right mindset to compete to that type of environment.
In particular, the two-time All-Star agreed with his former teammate Josh Richardson, who admitted the biggest reason for the 76ers’ underachieving season was the lack of accountability.
(via Dan Gelston of Associated Press):
“We weren’t in a position to go into the bubble and win,” Simmons said. “I think our mindset was off. Accountability is a huge part of winning. I think he’s definitely right.
“I mean, you can’t just come into a situation like the bubble if you guys aren’t ready and don’t have that chemistry and accountability already,” Simmons said.
The point forward admitted he already addressed the issue with head coach Doc Rivers, who replaced Brett Brown back in August.
“Doc and I have spoken about it already. You can tell the teams that were doing well in the bubble were tight-knit and held accountable for certain things going on. You kind of see it with the Clippers now, things that are coming out.”
However, the Clippers faced huge chemistry issues throughout the season with Doc Rivers as the head coach. The franchise was painted in a story as an organization with lack of accountability, especially for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
The Sixers retooled the executive and coaching staff, bringing the former Rockets’ GM Daryl Morey as president of basketball operations.
With Morey on the helm, Philadelphia added veterans Danny Green, Seth Curry and drafted scoring guard Tyrese Maxey during the offseason.
