Joel Embiid Refuses 'To Babysit' Ben Simmons

Philadelphia pays star center Joel Embiid plenty of money -- more than $31 million per season -- to do his job at a high level. But that job doesn't entail babysitting, something that Ben Simmons, Embiid's disgruntled 76ers teammate, apparently needs.

"Our job is not to babysit somebody," Embiid said following Tuesday's practice. "We get paid to produce on the court. Play hard. Win some games. That's what we get paid for. We don't get paid to come out here and try and babysit somebody...that's not our job."

Embiid's rant came in response to Simmons' recent temper tantrum at practice. Simmons reportedly refused to participate in practice drills, was insubordinate, and even practiced with a cellphone in his pocket. As a result, the team kicked the 25-year-old and his binkie out of practice and suspended him for Wednesday night's season opener.

Simmons' toddler routine didn't go over well with Embiid, who seems ready and willing to throw the baby out with the bathwater.

"At this point I don't care about that man, honestly," remarked Embiid. "He does whatever he wants."

Embiid may end up getting his wish as Simmons has already requested a trade from Philly.

Philadelphia opens their season with a road game against the Pelicans this evening. As of now, Simmons is scheduled to rejoin the team ahead of Friday's home opener with Brooklyn, leaving the Sixers a couple of days to stock up on diapers.

 

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