The Sixers believe that Ben Simmons may be pretending to have mental health issues, so he can continue to get paid but doesn’t have to play.
The longer he doesn’t play, the more likely the Sixers will trade him.
Because it is 2021, the Sixers have to be very careful on how they approach Simmons about his mental health. If they say or do the wrong thing, they will get canceled, so they are trying to be patient.
Their patience is running thin, though. It has gotten to the point Sixers GM Daryl Morey had to approach Simmons, according to Shams.
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.
The Sixers have offered to provide Simmons with professional help, but he has declined their help.
This is what is leading to speculation the only thing that is causing Simmons stress is the Sixers, and until he is no longer on the team, he isn’t going to be mentally ready.
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.
The Sixers remain eager to help Simmons address his mental readiness so he can return to the team. There’s uncertainty whether he’s progressing with that same objective, sources said.
The Sixers stopped fining Simmons once he said he had mental health issues, but one must wonder if they plan to start back up those fines if he doesn’t come around soon.
The Sixers have often stated they have no plans to trade Simmons unless it is a blockbuster deal.
Flip the page for more of Simmons balking at the Sixers’ help.