Daryl Morey didn’t catch enough heat for botching Ben Simmons situation

Justin Grasso of The Sixer Sense argues that former Philadelphia 76ers executive Daryl Morey avoided deserved criticism for alienating Ben Simmons early in his tenure. The piece reflects on ESPN's documentary "Being Ben," which aired as Simmons attempts an NBA comeback with the Sacramento Kings. In the documentary, Simmons claimed Morey tried to trade him immediately upon arriving in Philadelphia and characterized Morey as untrustworthy.

Grasso asserts that Morey treated roster management like a video game without considering personal chemistry, contributing significantly to Simmons' eventual falling out with the franchise. Following subsequent high-profile disputes involving James Harden and Joel Embiid, Morey was eventually replaced, with Mike Gansey taking over the 76ers' front office ahead of the 2026 season.