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Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid’s rapport has been a pleasant surprise for Sixers coach Doc Rivers

“There’s no personal issues, anything like that," the coach says. "That’s an awfully nice thing to not have.”

Sixers guard Ben Simmons and center Joel Embiid talk before the start of the second half against the Boston Celtics on Jan. 22.
Sixers guard Ben Simmons and center Joel Embiid talk before the start of the second half against the Boston Celtics on Jan. 22.Read moreYONG KIM / Staff Photographer

CHICAGO — There was a belief the last couple of seasons that the 76ers’ two best players, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, could not coexist.

However, Doc Rivers hasn’t witnessed that during his first season as Sixers coach.

“I think it’s been great,” Rivers said of their relationship before Monday’s game against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

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The coach made a point of not putting a lot stock into that portrayal after being hired in October. He wanted to see for himself what the relationship was.

“And I would say the more pleasant surprise when I got in here, I realized that there was no problem at all,” Rivers said. “Their biggest issue and not just with those two, but as a team, was could they win. And you know that’s obvious now they believe they can.”

Rivers has found the biggest issue with teams with talented players is figuring out if those players can win together. That, too, was a pleasant surprise for Rivers.

“There’s no personal issues, anything like that. That’s an awfully nice thing to not have.”

Will Harris reach the 50/40/90 milestone?

There’s a lot of intrigue in regards to Embiid’s and Simmons’ candidacy for end-of-season awards. However, Tobias Harris still has a chance to do something special.

The power forward went into Monday’s game shooting 51.6% from the field, including 40.1% on three-pointers, and 89.1% from the foul line with seven games remaining. Harris has a chance to finishing the season shooting above 50% from the field, 40% on threes, and 90% on free throws.

That would be a major feat, considering only eight players have finished a season with 50/40/90 splits. Only Larry Bird, Steve Nash, Mark Price, Reggie Miller, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Malcolm Brogdon have done it.

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Harris is this season’s only player shooting above 50% from the field, 40% on threes, and 89% from the foul line. He also took averages of 19.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.7 assists into Monday’s game.

Embiid is a candidate for the league MVP, while Simmons is a front-runner for defensive player of the year.