Doc Rivers on convincing Ben Simmons to stay: ‘There’s times that I think that I’m talking to people who still believe Trump won the election’

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers has been trying to mend the team’s relationship with All-Star guard Ben Simmons ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season.

Rivers previously said that he believes the team can win the NBA title with Simmons and now on an appearance with MSNBC, Rivers referenced conspiracy theorists that believe Donald Trump won the 2020 election when asked about Simmons staying in Philadelphia.

“There’s times that I think we’re getting through,” Rivers said. “And there’s times that I think that I’m talking to people who still believe Trump won the election. So I’m not sure, but I’m going to keep trying.”

Simmons is a three-time All-Star, but he has struggled to improve his outside shooting in his NBA career.

The Sixers were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs last season despite earning the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, and Simmons has been a subject of trade rumors this offseason as a result.

If Rivers and the Sixers can convince Simmons to stay , it will bode well for their outlook in the 2021-22 season.