According to NBC Sports, the alleged story is that the Philadelphia 76ers 2016 #1 Draft Pick, Ben Simmons will not play this season due to his agent, Rich Paul. According to Bob Cooney of the Philadelphia Daily News on 97.5 The Fanatic:
“I just got off the phone with somebody who I really trust in the NBA, and he’s like there’s no way his agent is going to let him play this year. That’s an injury that you don’t mess around with, and he thinks he’s going to keep him off his feet all year.”
Simmons reportedly wanted the Lakers to draft him but the 76ers used their hand at being the first team with the bite at the apple and snagged him first. Los Angeles Lakers drafted Duke SF, Brandon Ingram at #2. Simmons is currently injured after breaking his foot and is expected to miss three months.
Dan Feldman says “The long-term concerns are much greater. There were already major questions about Simmons’ attitude after he dogged it at LSU. Yes, Simmons was stuck playing for a mediocre team at a below-market rate. But that also applies to him on the 76ers.”
“Paul’s job is to look out for Simmons’ best interests, and that might be the case here. There’s no sense risking repeated injury until Simmons foot is completely healed. But Simmons also needs the proper mental approach going forward, and sitting out once healthy could stifle that” Feldman added.
Paul also represents LeBron James, Tristan Thompson, and Eric Bledsoe. He founded Klutch Sports Group in 2012 after working under Leon Rose at CAA to negotiate James’ extension with the Cavaliers in 2006.