Joel Embiid on Simmons' return: 'It doesn't need to be awkward, we are a better team with him' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA - Scanpix Credit GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA - Scanpix

The Ben Simmons and Philadelphia 76ers saga continues, as the All-Star playmaker unexpectedly reported to the team earlier today.

Ben Simmons

Position:SF, PFAge:25Height:208 cmWeight:104 kgBirth place:AustraliaProfileNewsStatistics

The other superstar of the Sixers, Joel Embiid, told the Philly Voice that he doesn't hold any grudges towards Simmons and wants him to return to the team. He believes that the 76ers are a better team with Simmons.

"I don't have any bad blood with anybody," Embiid said on Monday. "Ben is a great guy, he's still a friend of mine, so whenever we do see him, I'm going to greet him like anybody else would. Hopefully, we can get him back on the floor because we are a better team with him on there."

"It's unfortunate the whole situation happened, but we're a better team with him on the floor. I think there are going to be some adjustments, but it doesn't need to be awkward. We are professionals, we want to win. I want to win. He gives me the best chance to win, so that's what I'm going to go with."

With all the outside noise and the distractions surrounding the team, Embiid is focused on basketball and is trying to get his teammates in the same mindset.

"I'm trying to keep everybody focused. I'm focused on basketball. I'm focused on whatever we have here, whatever we've been building. Guys that come in, there's going to be adjustments and stuff, but everybody has to buy in because if one or two people don't buy in, you have no chance."

"The most important thing is just for us to stay close with each other. This whole process has made us [come together] a lot better between each other. This just shows we can't be spread out on islands, we have to be together and be one unit. I think it shows even on the court that we've learned to adapt."

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