Ben Simmons is yet to make his return to the Philadelphia 76ers starting lineup. The All-Star point guard hasn’t lived the best moments in the past couple of months, receiving a lot of criticism thanks to his shooting struggles.
He landed in Philadelphia a couple of weeks ago to talk with the team’s front office. Ben looked uninterested in practice, was kicked out by head coach Doc Rivers, and got more harsh words from fans.
The player stated he’s not mentally ready to return to the court. The organization vowed to respect his times and give him space. Moreover, they have offered help for Simmons, but the player hasn’t accepted it.
According to Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the Sixers are ‘frustrated’ with Simmons and his decision to not take this help.
The Philadelphia 76ers are increasingly frustrated with Ben Simmons’ refusal to accept organizational assistance to address his mental readiness to play, sources told ESPN.
While Simmons has been working with team doctors to treat a back ailment, he has been unwilling to meet with team doctors to discuss his mental readiness, sources said.
Instead, sources said, Simmons has worked with mental health professionals via the National Basketball Players Association since the summer. So far Simmons has yet to provide details of those meetings to the team, sources said.
On a regular basis at the team’s Camden, New Jersey practice facility, Simmons has engaged with teammates and members of the coaching staff in one-on-one scenarios but has not advanced to rejoin full team activities and it’s unclear when or if he will.
Nobody knows what is really going on with Ben, and nobody should try to force him to come out and explain how he really feels. This is an individual process and the player is looking for help on his own.
His teammates have been very supportive of him and they just want the best for someone they still consider a brother. Hopefully, Simmons’ mental health gets better, and he’s back in action sooner than later.
Meanwhile, some legends like Allen Iverson and Charles Barkley believe the 25-year-old won’t play another game in Philly. The relationship with fans is too damaged now and it’d be better for the team to part ways with him. But, we know that the Sixers’ trade demands for Simmons are a little too high.
