Report: Doc Rivers told Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons that time is running out for duo in ’emotional’ private meeting

Newly appointed Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers sent superstars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid a pointed message about their potential title window ahead of the start of the 2020-21 season.

“On Dec. 2, Rivers huddled with Embiid and Simmons in his office,” Jackie MacMullan of ESPN wrote. “He embarked on an emotional pitch as to why he fervently believes the two of them can succeed together, but he also made one thing abundantly clear: Time is running out for them to prove it.”

Rivers, 59, saw his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers come to an end after the Clippers wasted a 3-1 lead against the Denver Nuggets and got eliminated in the second round of the 2020 postseason.

Now, Rivers is trying to propel the star-studded Sixers. Embiid and Simmons are both in their primes.

Embiid, 26, has career averages of 23.9 points, 11.5 boards, 3.1 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. He is one of the most versatile bigs in the league.

As for Simmons, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft is a core part of the team. Yet, he finds himself in trade rumors centered around former MVP James Harden’s desire to depart the Houston Rockets.

The 24-year-old Simmons has career averages of 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game