The Wound That Never Healed: Ben Simmons vs. Doc Rivers
Five years may have passed, but for Ben Simmons, the sting of betrayal remains fresh. In the newly released ESPN documentary, “Being Ben,” the former Philadelphia 76ers star pulls back the curtain on his fractured relationship with former head coach Doc Rivers, revealing a level of resentment that hasn’t faded with time.
The catalyst for this animosity? A controversial post-game comment following a devastating Game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. When asked if Simmons could still lead a championship team as a point guard after a struggling performance, Rivers gave a non-committal answer: “I don’t know that question or the answer to that right now.”
“What a Piece of S–t”: The Emotional Fallout
In the documentary, Simmons doesn’t mince words regarding Rivers’ public hesitation. He describes the moment as a betrayal of trust, stating, “How did I feel? I was like, ‘What a piece of s–t.'”
Simmons reflects on the nature of professional loyalty and the pressure of the NBA spotlight, noting that while he understands Rivers had a job to protect, the lack of support felt personal. According to Simmons:
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- Trust is Paramount: When a coach-player relationship is strong, issues should be handled internally.
- The Panic Factor: Simmons believes that when times get tough, people often panic and “throw others under the bus” to save their own positions.
- Professionalism vs. Loyalty: He acknowledges the business side of sports but remains hurt by the public nature of the critique.
A Career of High Peaks and Deep Valleys
The tragedy of Ben Simmons’ tenure in Philadelphia is the gap between his immense potential and his eventual exit. Entering the league as the NBA‘s No. 1 overall pick in 2016, Simmons looked like a generational talent. His early accolades speak for themselves:
- Rookie of the Year award winner.
- Three-time NBA All-Star in his first four seasons.
- Back-to-back All-Defensive First Team selections (2019-20, 2020-21).
However, the narrative shifted from defensive dominance to offensive hesitation. The infamous decision to pass up a potential dunk in the closing moments of Game 7 became a symbol of his struggles, defining the end of his time with the 76ers.
Where is Ben Simmons Now?
Following a tumultuous period that included a trade request, a missed 2021-22 season, and stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, Simmons eventually took a hiatus during the 2025-26 season. Now, the LSU product has embarked on a new chapter as a member of the Sacramento Kings.
While he continues to seek redemption on the court, “Being Ben” proves that the psychological scars of his Philadelphia exit still run deep. Whether he can fully move past the shadow of Doc Rivers remains to be seen, but his story serves as a cautionary tale of the volatile intersection of talent, expectation, and leadership in professional sports.
