76ers star Ben Simmons has yet to suit up for the team this season after officially requesting a trade earlier this year.
While the young guard is expected to return sometime in the near future, exactly when we can expect to see him on the court remains a mystery.
Apparently, according to Sixers GM and President Daryl Morey himself, Ben continues to cite a mental roadblock as the catalyst for his absence.
(per Shams Charania)
76ers president Daryl Morey approached All-Star Ben Simmons today about his return to game action, but Simmons restated that he is not yet mentally ready to play and is continuing to seek professional help. There’s no timetable on Simmons‘ return to the floor.
Sources: 76ers president Daryl Morey approached All-Star Ben Simmons today about his return to game action, but Simmons restated that he is not yet mentally ready to play and is continuing to seek professional help. There’s no timetable on Simmons‘ return to the floor.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 3, 2021
The Simmons/Sixers dilemma has been an ongoing saga for weeks now, and all indications are saying that it will continue to persist for a while longer.
In fact, even in Ben’s attempt to reconcile his return, there are problems.
“The Philadelphia 76ers are increasingly frustrated with Ben Simmons’ refusal to accept organizational assistance to address his mental readiness to play, sources told ESPN,” via Ramona Shelburne.
“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.”
While Morey and the front office hold all the leverage in this situation, the impact of the whole situation is certainly having far-reaching consequences.
Without Simmons to back up Embiid on the court, the 76ers are lacking a true playmaker on the floor, and it’s a flaw that has been exposed several times so far this season.
That’s not to mention the huge distraction the drama has been for everyone involved with the organization.
Simmons, 25, is not slated to become a free agent until 2025.
