The Sixers and Ben Simmons‘ camp are telling different stories when it comes to the All-Stars’ mental health issues and the team’s handling of them.
“I truly believe the fines, the targeting, the negative publicity shined on the issue — that’s very unnecessary and has furthered the mental health issues for Ben,” Rich Paul told Shams Charania of The Athletic. “Either you help Ben, or come out and say he’s lying. Which one is it?”
The Sixers responded to Charania in regards to the claims.
A 76ers team official told The Athletic on Thursday it is “absolutely not” the case that they are forcing his return or accusing him of lying.The team’s position is that he should partake in all team activities until there is information from its mental health professional or Simmons that would preclude him from playing.
The 76ers say they have been fully supportive of Simmons’ process and have worked to provide him with all possible resources. As it stands, short of a doctor’s evaluation declaring he can’t play, the team expects Simmons to ramp up to return.
The franchise sent Simmons a schedule for Thursday, which included Thursday night’s tilt against the Raptors and Simmons’ camp believes that was intentional as a means to without his game check if he doesn’t show up.
There remains no timetable for Simmons to play professional basketball again in the NBA.
“This is no longer about a trade. This is about finding a place where we can help Ben get back to his mental strength and get back on the floor. I want him on the floor playing the game that he loves. I want Ben on the floor whether that’s in a 76ers uniform or any other uniform, that’s not up to me, but I want him in a state where he can resume play. We want to cooperate and want to work him back on the floor.”
The Sixers responded to this antidote as well, as Charania wrote.
Sixers officials said they were pleased to hear Paul state he is open to Simmons staying in Philadelphia. President of basketball operations Daryl Morey and other team officials have said that they believe Simmons is a piece for their championship-contending team and want him back in the lineup.
The franchise hasn’t received any information from the team therapists or Simmons’ personal specialists that would prevent him from playing or participating in practice. Yet, Simmons’ camp continues to claim that he is unable to play.
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