Did Ben Simmons take a shot at 76ers and Joel Embiid after Celtics loss?

Some NBA social media detectives think Ben Simmons took a shot at his former teammate, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, after their loss to the Celtics.

Philadelphia had a rough day on Sunday, as they lost Game 7 to the Boston Celtics and were boat-raced in the second half.

James Harden’s fourth quarter struggles continued, as he set a new low even Ben Simmons wouldn’t be able to match. Joel Embiid, meanwhile, finished the postseason averaging just over 23 points per game, far lower than his regular-season MVP mark.

Speaking of Simmons, it turns out he was watching the game, as well. Simmons posted a photo of the scoreline on his Instagram story, leading some to believe he was taking a shot at his former team.

Simmons, currently on the Brooklyn Nets, was often blamed for Philadelphia’s postseason misfortunes. Yet, even with a different core in place, the 76ers could not get the job done.

Did Ben Simmons troll the 76ers, Joel Embiid?

By most accounts, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid got along during their time in Philadelphia. At the end of his tenure, Simmons struggled to get on the floor consistently, and saw a mental health coach to improve his confidence on the court.

There’s nothing wrong with addressing one’s mental health. Simmons, however, was in the middle of a recently-signed contract extension. By not playing at a consistent rate, he forced Philadelphia’s hand, and they traded him to the Nets in a package which helped them land James Harden.

Harden also failed to provide the necessary punch this Philly team desperately needed against a tough Boston squad. In three straight years, the 76ers have been on the precipice of the conference finals, only to fall short when it matters most.

Philadelphia hasn’t made the conference finals in two decades. But who’s really to blame?