If there’s a situation that underscores why the word “never” should never be used in sports, it’s that which has engulfed the Sixers and erstwhile starting point guard Ben Simmons throughout the preseason. News that they’re on the negotiating table once more after months of estrangement drew mixed reactions; depending on perspective, the prospect of the 2016 first overall pick returning to the fold is either a welcome one or a masochist’s dream. Bridges seemed to have been burned, with either side digging in and pledging to defend their respective positions regardless of the cost. Meanwhile, cooler heads sought to restart discussions in hopes of finding middle ground.
The logic behind talking anew — and, make no mistake, talking is all that has happened so far — is unassailable. There are no winners to the impasse, with the Sixers losing precious time to jell amid all the uncertainty and Simmons all, but giving away cold cash due to penalties from his strike. Not that they truly want to get back together. There’s a reason he has been shopped around since his poor showing in the 2021 Playoffs, and there’s a reason he can’t wait to hightail it out of the City of Brotherly Love. That said, they appear to now understand that the divorce they both want to happen will go over much better if they walk with, and not against, each other towards their goal.
No small measure of damage has been done, of course. Simmons didn’t boost his stock any when he made public his desire to pack his bags once he felt he was no longer wanted. At the same time, the Sixers figured on playing the long game and absorbing any handicaps the stance brought — sound on paper, but debilitating in practice. There is no benefit to keeping someone who no longer desires to be around; at that point, addition by subtraction is key. Moreover, they devalued their position by offering the three-time All-Star AFTER they dissed him; it’s the equivalent of a quarter highlighting an item’s luster when all others know it to be damaged based on that quarter’s initial disclosure.
Nonetheless, the fact that the Sixers and Simmons are actively exchanging views should be deemed a step in the right direction. Their interests are aligned, after all, and they would do well to consider the merits of an alliance even as they angle for a permanent split — not unlike taking a step back to move two steps forward. Bottom line, they have no choice. Regardless of their posturing, the alternative is simply untenable.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
