Australian NBA star Ben Simmons has been suspended and fined $1.8 million by the Philadelphia 76ers amid ongoing contract drama.

Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze cautioned not all the details are known, but told James Willis Simmons’ “petulant behaviour” stands him in poor stead to return to the 76ers, despite having four years left on his contract.

“It’s deteriorated into a really disappointing situation for all concerned.

“You don’t have to love everyone in your team, but all you’ve got to do is go and do your job and cooperate.”

While Simmons is not known for being a hard worker, Mr Gaze commented, exposure to the Boomers’ culture “would do him the absolute world of good” were he to return to the Australian team.

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James Willis called out the multimillionaire’s “hissy fit”, in which he refused to put his hand into his teammates’ huddle and take part in drills.

“If someone’s going to pay me $38 million, I would do almost anything!

“This bloke is not who I thought he was.”

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