Sometimes inspiration can come from surprising places.
Philadelphia 76ers rookies Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz paid a “surprise” visit to rapper Meek Mill in prison this week, according to TMZ Sports.
Sixers co-owner Michael Rubin organized the visit, TMZ Sports reported, hoping the Philly-based rapper could “provide some inspiration” for Simmons and Fultz as they enter the postseason. That’s apparently what happened, as a source told TMZ Sports “the conversation was very positive,” with Meek even dishing out some “words of wisdom” to the young rookies.
Fultz and Mill both appeared to confirm the powwow on social media by retweeting reports of their visit.
Mill, whose real name is Robert Williams, was sentenced to two to four years in prison last November after violating his probation from a 2008 arrest. His sentencing was met with public outcry from those who thought the courts treated the rapper unfairly. The Sixers have been supportive of Williams during his incarceration, as Rubin also brought Joel Embiid to visit him in November.
It’s unclear exactly what “words of wisdom” Meek imparted on Simmons and Fultz, but if the young rookies thrive in their first playoff appearance — Philly currently sits fourth in the Eastern Conference and is riding a 12-game winning streak — we may know who to thank.
