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6 strangest things to happen in the NBA this season

By Duncan Smith

Kobe Bryant's Lakers jerseys are displayed during the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" service at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles on February 24, 2020. - Kobe Bryant, 41, and 13-year-old Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the rugged hills west of Los Angeles on January 26. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant's Lakers jerseys are displayed during the "Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant" service at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles on February 24, 2020. - Kobe Bryant, 41, and 13-year-old Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in the rugged hills west of Los Angeles on January 26. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images) /
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6. Sixers injury “management”

Since the end of the Sam Hinkie era, you can count on the Philadelphia 76ers getting into some shenanigans. Several things remain true about them: They can’t manage public perception, they have no idea how to prevent or treat (or diagnose) injuries, and they can’t stay out of their own way when it comes to these particular flaws.

In late February, Ben Simmons injured his back in practice. He missed the next game against the Brooklyn Nets, then came back the following game against the Milwaukee Bucks in a marquee matchup. His back wasn’t right, but the Sixers kept him in the game while sending him to the locker room between stints on the floor for treatment.

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Simmons aggravated his back injury and remains out indefinitely with a nerve impingement, which could mean pretty much anything when you’re talking about that organization’s medical staff. Not only was it irresponsible in classic Sixers fashion to put him at further risk in his diminished state, but it was entirely predictable.

If there’s any team that will eagerly put their own players at risk for very little gain and work against themselves in the court of public opinion at the same time, it’s your Philadelphia 76ers.