/r/76ers Ben Simmons AMA
Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2017 3:55 pm
Reporter:Good afternoon everyone today we're doing an AMA with Ben Simmons. First, I'll go through a list of questions then I'll open it up to the users. But first, Ben, thanks for joining us.
Ben Simmons: No problem, mate. I'm ready to get started.
Reporter:First off, you're taken number 1 by Philly, how did that feel for you?
Ben Simmons: Lots of uncertainty leading up to the draft. Philly was 4 before the lotto and a lot of me mates were buying Bobcats and Magic gear. My agent told me if Orlando or Charlotte landed 1, i could go as low as 3. Then Philly lands at #1 in the draft and everything changed. They called me and told me i was going to be the #1 pick as soon as they were able to.
Reporter:Interesting, so Philly takes you #1 then proceeds to bench you. Let's address the elephant in the room here about that.
Ben Simmons: You know obviously if i had my choice, i want to play, but i understand the situation you know? Philly's been in the lotto for a few years and this franchise at least recently is used to winning. And Philly fans, you know how they are. So i get it but i think i can help the team now.
Reporter: A lot of people call this team Gordon Hayward's team, but then you get drafted and the GM has come out and called you the cornerstone. Does that cause tension?
Ben Simmons: Not at all. You know Gordon is a pro and he understands what it takes to grow in this league. He started off in Chicago playing 11 a game and can help me understand that frustration but also keeps me at bay and lets me know my time will be here. I'm a big Gordon Hayward fan. I think he makes his first all star game this year.
Reporter: You mentioned the Philly fans, talk a little bit about them.
Ben Simmons: *laughs* They're crazy man. That's a good thing. You know like i got businesses trying to sign me to deals. Craziest one was 'Steak and Shake'. Was a Philly Cheese steak stand.
Reporter: What position are you?
Ben Simmons: Man, you know i played a lot of 4 in college, but i dont want to put a label on it. You know when LPenny came in the league, everyone said he was a point and he just redefined the game as a pure basketball player. Look at guys like T Mac that came after him and did it better. I want to be up there with those guys.
Reporter: What other young guys have you formed bonds with?
Ben Simmons: I think there's a natural rivalry with guys in your own class. So Desantis and Lavar Ball i just want to crush their souls every time we play.. whenever i get to play. And then in the last draft class, Duren and Ellinger i think are ballers man. Duren talks a lot of trash but we also have a little bit of an unspoken bond because we're both in the same situation being put on the shelf a bit before we get our opportunities.
Reporter: Well thank you Ben, and with that I'll open up questions to the users. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like guys.
Ben Simmons: Get at me!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Ben Simmons: No problem, mate. I'm ready to get started.
Reporter:First off, you're taken number 1 by Philly, how did that feel for you?
Ben Simmons: Lots of uncertainty leading up to the draft. Philly was 4 before the lotto and a lot of me mates were buying Bobcats and Magic gear. My agent told me if Orlando or Charlotte landed 1, i could go as low as 3. Then Philly lands at #1 in the draft and everything changed. They called me and told me i was going to be the #1 pick as soon as they were able to.
Reporter:Interesting, so Philly takes you #1 then proceeds to bench you. Let's address the elephant in the room here about that.
Ben Simmons: You know obviously if i had my choice, i want to play, but i understand the situation you know? Philly's been in the lotto for a few years and this franchise at least recently is used to winning. And Philly fans, you know how they are. So i get it but i think i can help the team now.
Reporter: A lot of people call this team Gordon Hayward's team, but then you get drafted and the GM has come out and called you the cornerstone. Does that cause tension?
Ben Simmons: Not at all. You know Gordon is a pro and he understands what it takes to grow in this league. He started off in Chicago playing 11 a game and can help me understand that frustration but also keeps me at bay and lets me know my time will be here. I'm a big Gordon Hayward fan. I think he makes his first all star game this year.
Reporter: You mentioned the Philly fans, talk a little bit about them.
Ben Simmons: *laughs* They're crazy man. That's a good thing. You know like i got businesses trying to sign me to deals. Craziest one was 'Steak and Shake'. Was a Philly Cheese steak stand.
Reporter: What position are you?
Ben Simmons: Man, you know i played a lot of 4 in college, but i dont want to put a label on it. You know when LPenny came in the league, everyone said he was a point and he just redefined the game as a pure basketball player. Look at guys like T Mac that came after him and did it better. I want to be up there with those guys.
Reporter: What other young guys have you formed bonds with?
Ben Simmons: I think there's a natural rivalry with guys in your own class. So Desantis and Lavar Ball i just want to crush their souls every time we play.. whenever i get to play. And then in the last draft class, Duren and Ellinger i think are ballers man. Duren talks a lot of trash but we also have a little bit of an unspoken bond because we're both in the same situation being put on the shelf a bit before we get our opportunities.
Reporter: Well thank you Ben, and with that I'll open up questions to the users. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like guys.
Ben Simmons: Get at me!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
