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Tim BontempsESPN
In his first game after not being included in an exchange by James Harden, All-Star Ben Simmons had a triple-double (10 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists) in 34 minutes Thursday to lead the 76ers to a 125- 108 wins over the Miami Heat in Philadelphia.
He then called commercial conversations a part of life as an NBA player.
“I mean, this is a business,” Simmons said, when asked if he was happy that Harden’s discussions were left behind after the 2018 NBA MVP was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a deal that was made official on Thursday. “Things like that happen. The only thing I can control is, you know, how I approach my workouts, the games and my day to day life. So, you know, I’m just trying to be professional and do the right thing. and help my team win. “
Philadelphia basketball president Daryl Morey acquired Harden as general manager of the Houston Rockets in the fall of 2012, and Brooklyn was the top contender to land the superstar’s guard in recent weeks.
Ultimately, though, Houston chose a Brooklyn package that contained a bunch of draft pick boats over a Philadelphia-led one by Simmons.
When asked Thursday if he felt the need to discuss what happened to Morey or anyone else at the helm, Simmons said he can only control what he can control.
“I come here and work every day,” Simmons said. “So my job is to improve and get victories – all the other things I can’t control. Like I said before, all I can control is how I get on with my mindset, with the practices and on the ground. I’ve got it. I had a great time tonight, I can play the game I like the most every day at the highest level in the world … There are much worse things in the world, so, you know, I’m in a blessed position. tell me I would never play again, it would be a different story. “
When asked if he was happy to still be in Philadelphia, Simmons added, “Of course.”
Earlier, Sixers coach Doc Rivers had praised Simmons ’defensive effort on a night that also had three steals in addition to his triple-double.
“I thought tonight is who it should be every night,” Rivers said. “I love the way he played. I loved the way he played under control. He didn’t force it, he took gaps when they were there … It was a ground presence for us, and not just on the offensive side, but also on defense, too. That takes us to a different level when he plays like that. “