The Philadelphia 76ers discussed trading Ben Simmons for James Harden both before and after during the season, according to sources that spoke with Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. Both Doc Rivers and Joel Embiid hoped the 76ers would give the pairing with Simmons another opportunity.

"I love that we stuck with it," Rivers told ESPN. "They're young. Give them a chance."

If the 76ers were going to run it back, the entire team would have to self-reflect.

"Last year, no one knew their roles," Embiid said. "People were just doing whatever they wanted. And I'm not the type of guy to come in and just jack up shots."

rivers told Embiid that he would clarify roles early on and that they would play through him in the post more.

"I did that day one," Rivers says. "'We are playing through Joel. But Ben [Simmons] is the facilitator.'"