Ben Simmons converted barely more than one-third of his 73 free-throw attempts this postseason, the worst percentage in NBA history for anyone w/ 70+ attempts. (All-Pro-Reels/Wikimedia Commons).
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Dan Morgan of the Process Potables podcast joins Loren and Aaron to break down the Philadelphia 76ers’ unexpected elimination at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks. From Ben Simmons’ offensive disappearing act to Joel Embiid playing through injury to Dan’s faith (or lack thereof) in head coach Doc Rivers to President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey’s offseason task ahead, this episode has everything. Enjoy some excerpts below:
11:57-13:49: “Unfortunately, Philadelphia is one of the most negative markets that I think probably exists in major sports in North America, even when things are going well. People in this city have wanted to tear the team down from before even rising up. … Depending on who you talk to, the process ranged anywhere from three to 37 years, so it’s unclear about when it started, it’s unclear about when it ended and then every season when they lose, it’s “Welp, the process is over.” The process was over three years ago, two years ago, this year. It’s an absolute mess. It’s unfortunate but the reality of it all, honestly, is that the team is in really good shape. It is very unfortunate that they blew an opportunity like this when it seemed like the stars were aligning for them. … It felt like everything was working for the Sixers, and then Trae Young comes in and shuts it all down. But they have Joel Embiid, who if you take out the games played argument was the MVP of the league. You have Ben Simmons who is a 24-year-old transformative player, both sides, should have been the Defensive Player of the Year in my opinion. You have Tobias Harris… They have things they can do. They have promising young players in Matisse Thybulle and Tyrese Maxey…
15:02-16:26: “‘Can they [co]exist, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid?’ Well, that’s been the question for a long time. They did enough to be the No. 1 seed in an improved East this year, so there’s something to be said for that. I still don’t know that you can say, ‘No, it absolutely can’t work.’ But the problem is year after year, the conversation happens, and of all of Ben Simmons’ shortcomings, this was the worst, and I don’t think it’s close at all. This was far and away one of the most atrocious things I’ve ever seen. … Continue reading
