Ben Simmons’ latest LeBron James-related IG story will have Philadelphia 76ers fans worried

Recent rumors suggest that Ben Simmons may be considering a return to the Philadelphia 76ers, sparking concern among fans. The Australian point guard ended his tenure with the team in 2022, amid a contentious departure following the 2021 playoffs. The collapse of Simmons' performance and his acrimonious split from Joel Embiid and the front office left a sour taste in the mouths of many 76ers supporters.

Recently, Simmons shared an image of his LeBron James basketball shoe collection on Instagram, accompanied by an emoji hinting at a possible return to the team. This move comes as no surprise given Simmons' representation by Klutch Sports, the agency led by LeBron James' close friend and business associate, Rich Paul. Paul played a pivotal role in securing James' position with the 76ers, and is likely involved in negotiations surrounding Simmons as well.

The 76ers currently have just one roster spot remaining and limited space under the salary cap. Thus, signing Simmons to a $3.2 million veteran minimum contract could be a prudent option. However, Philadelphia fans are hesitant to bring Simmons back, due to both his controversial exit and the fact that his play has deteriorated in recent years. With the team aiming for an NBA championship this season, risking a player known for his inconsistent performance in high-pressure situations poses a significant challenge.

There is speculation that the 76ers might utilize Simmons sparingly, only deploying him in garbage time or keeping him on the roster to fill out their numbers. Nevertheless, if his form can be relied upon, Simmons could still offer valuable minutes and be versatile enough to play multiple positions beyond point guard. The decision to sign Simmons is likely to generate controversy, and the 76ers front office must carefully weigh the pros and cons before offering him a contract.