UNDISPUTED | Broussard "ridiculous" Joel Embiid: 76ers aren't here to "babysit" unhappy Ben Simmons

76ers point guard Ben Simmons received a one-game suspension for "conduct detrimental to the team," Philadelphia announced, and will miss the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. Simmons was kicked out of practice Tuesday due to a lack of engagement, sources told The Athletic.

"I didn't think he wanted to do what everyone else was doing," coach Doc Rivers told reporters after the team announced Simmons' suspension.

Sources tell The Athletic that Rivers asked Simmons to join a defensive drill at practice and the point guard refused. Rivers asked again and Simmons said no again. Rivers then told Simmons he should go home, and the 25-year-old dropped the ball and left, according to sources.

"I'm not here to babysit," center Joel Embiid said when asked if he's considered trying to get Simmons to buy back into the team.

Added Embiid: "At this point, I don't care about that man, honestly. He does whatever he wants. That's not my job. ... I'm only focused on trying to make the team better, win some games, play hard every night and try to lead the guys that we have here."

Simmons didn't report to the start of training camp after his representation informed the 76ers in June that he wanted a trade. In mid-July, the 76ers opened up trade conversations surrounding Simmons and engaged with interested teams, as The Athletic reported.

Simmons arrived in Philadelphia last week and took a COVID-19 test, per the NBA's protocols.

Simmons has averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists and 1.7 steals through four NBA campaigns. He has four years and $147 million remaining on his max contract. Simmons has spent his entire career with the Sixers since they drafted him with the No. 1 pick in 2016.

After opening the season in New Orleans, the 76ers host the Nets in their home opener on Friday. They then go on the road for two games at the Thunder and Knicks.

For more on what happened at Tuesday's practice and what's next for Simmons, you can read Shams Charania's full story in the Go Deeper section below.

UNDISPUTEDBroussard"ridiculous"