“I don’t know,” he replied.

Fellow Sixers star Joel Embiid also expressed discontent with Simmons’ performance after the game seven loss to Atlanta. This was notable, as Embiid and Simmons had been allies since they came together as part of “The Process”.

The Process? What’s The Process?

In short, The Process was the 76ers’ decision to “tank” - or deliberately construct a less-than competitive roster to ensure the team would lose far more games than it won, across several seasons in the mid-2010s - to ensure them of high draft picks.

After years of finishing bottom of the Eastern Conference, The Process led the 76ers to pick up Embiid in the 2014 draft, and Simmons in the 2016 draft.

It didn’t take long for the pair to lead the side to the play-offs. But after years starved of success, their return towards the top of the conference created pressure to deliver on their potential.

After making the play-offs but failing to qualify for the Eastern Conference finals for the fourth straight season, many pundits felt it was time for change.

Isn’t Simmons an All Star? Why would Philadelphia want to trade him?

In the modern NBA, shooting is everything. While Simmons is an elite defensive player and one of the best exponents of playing “downhill” - after a team gathers a defensive rebound and can start a “fast break” - he did not follow the lead of fellow superstar Kawhi Leonard, who developed an efficient jump shot.

In the play-offs, when the pace is slower and teams can scout their opposition in more detail, players who can create their own shot in the half court against set defences are invaluable.

This is even more pertinent when the team’s brightest star - Embiid - is a big man who does most of his scoring close to the basket. When defenders sag off Simmons, they shift focus to Embiid.

To summarise: Simmons’ skill set does not match Embiid’s skill set, creating an awkward fit which can conjure regular-season success, but not post-season wins.

What happened in the off-season?

Irate about the critical comments of Rivers and Embiid, Simmons did not take part in any team activities and officially requested a trade. He also withdrew from Australia’s Olympic campaign so he could work on his skills.

Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey, however, could not find a suitable trade for Simmons, leaving the unhappy player with no choice but to return to practice on October 11.

In pre-season, the 76ers played nice, as both Rivers and the players refused to entertain questions about Simmons’ awkward return.

But the niceties ended on Wednesday, when Rivers tossed Simmons from the team’s practice facility after he refused to take part in a defensive drill. The day before, images had emerged from practice of Simmons looking disinterested and electing to not join a team huddle.

The 76ers suspended Simmons for Thursday’s season-opening game against the New Orleans Pelicans due to conduct detrimental to the team.

What happens next?

There are two possible outcomes.

The 76ers are struggling to find a fair offer for Simmons. Teams are attempting to snare the Australian in return for draft picks and lesser-role players but, with their team in the title race, Philadelphia want a star guard to pair with Embiid.

Loading

This could drag on until the trade deadline in February, which would be the worst-case scenario for both Philadelphia and Simmons.

Simmons will otherwise have to rejoin his teammates at their practice facility on Thursday and eventually take part in the season, or the Sixers will need to send him home, with pay, to wait for a move.

In a meeting with Moray and general manager Elton Brand last week, Simmons said he was not mentally ready to rejoin the team.

His concerns are understandable, as Philadelphia fans will treat him like a villain if he ever pulls on a 76ers jersey at Wells Fargo Arena again.

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.