Georges Niang Sounds Off On Sixers' Ben Simmons Saga Last Year

The Ben Simmons saga is in the past for the Philadelphia 76ers. About a year ago, the Sixers washed their hands of the situation and moved on from the former All-Star by striking a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets.

While the Sixers did a good job of staying afloat in the Eastern Conference without having a max contracted veteran on the floor for a majority of the season, Philadelphia veteran Georges Niang re-visited the situation this week on 97.5 The Fanatic, admitting just how difficult it was to navigate through the season as the team was “handicapped” with Simmons’ holdout.

Here’s what Niang had to say about the Simmons saga:

“I was gonna say, I got a lot to say about last year. Ben Simmons kind of handicapped us at the beginning of last year. When you look at your building rosters, like I'm talking from like a general manager standpoint, I don't know how much he makes me it's a max contract. So you immediately take that off the books, I'm not playing. Now you have to figure it out where other role players have to step up and replace the passing, dribbling, rebounding, defense. So you know, to have to do that and you know, I think people don't understand like, the team aspect is very important. I think Doc Rivers does a good job of like buying into the team. And so when you don't know who you're going to have night in and night out, is he coming back? Because I mean, so we're hearing about it was like when I turned on my TV, I was listening to Stephen A. Smith, and he said he’s gonna be at practice tomorrow. And I was like, well, there he is. And so last year was difficult because you didn’t know who you have.”

Georges Niang says he has ‘a lot’ to say about Ben Simmons

“Ben Simmons kinda handicapped us”

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When Simmons decided he wouldn’t play for the Sixers again, Philadelphia didn’t want to sell low at the time. Therefore, they kept Simmons on the roster until James Harden became available. While it was a risky move by Daryl Morey and the front office, it ended up paying off in numerous ways.

One, the Sixers landed a ten-time All-Star guard, who automatically became the team’s best playmaker, which was much needed. Two, the Sixers found out just how valuable Tyrese Maxey could be when he gets legitimate playing time in the rotation.

Two offseasons ago, Georges Niang joined the Sixers via free agency. Initially, he expressed excitement about playing with Simmons, who was a three-time All-Star. However, the two would never share the court. During Niang’s debut season with the Sixers, Simmons held out from the team.

Clearly, the former Sixers’ actions didn’t sit right with the veteran sharpshooter, as he felt Simmons was holding the team back for more than half the season.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.