Tarlin and Mike look for lessons learned from the acrimony surrounding Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers as we head into the 2021-2022 NBA Season. After another disappointing finish for the Sixers in the NBA Playoffs in the Summer of 2021, neither Joel Embiid nor Doc Rivers gave Ben Simmons the support he was looking for. Then after Ben asked for a trade, the drama increased as his request has not yet been granted. Simmons eventually appeared at practice but was so disengaged that Doc ended up sending him home. Ben’s since spoken with the team and is choosing to take time away as he is not mentally ready to play at this time.
What lessons can we find in this developing sports soap opera? What does it tell us about leadership? What can we learn by Running It Back to Sam Henkie and The Process? Who should take the reins and how will this resolve? Will Philly Persevere, Pivot, or Kill at this point? How much can teams cater to delicate stars and at what point does it become toxic?
We cover all of this and even get Tarlin’s lightning round run through a cavalcade of disgruntlement before we wrap up a relevant and insightful dive into the psyches and mindsets of the modern NBA.
Subscribe to Running It Back wherever you get your podcasts. Visit us at RunningItBack.fm for more great content.