2 min read • November 15, 2021
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76ers embroiled star Ben Simmons is continuing his indefinite absence as he gets support for his mental health with no timetable for a return.
In a recent report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Simmons’ agent Rich Paul stated that the 76ers response to Simmons’ struggles – the fines, negative publicity, and forcing him to meet with the team-recommended specialists –has “furthered the mental health issues” for the 25-year-old. Paul said that Simmons is not yet mentally ready to play.
The report also stated that Simmons would be willing to return to Philadelphia, and that the chief concern at this point in time is getting him in a place where he is ready to take the court again.
Simmons himself has yet to make a public statement or answer questions from the press since the 76ers devastating loss in game 7 of the conference semifinals on June 20.
76ers’ management and players have been publicly supportive of Simmons’ struggles, especially since his meeting with the team on Oct. 22 expressing the extent of his mental health struggles.
Immediately after their season ended, the three-time all-star requested a trade from the 76ers through Paul. The situation festered as the 76ers were unable to find an adequate trade partner, and the two sides met later in the offseason, during which time Simmons expressed that he just wanted a “fresh start,” and to “go to a place where I can play and make mistakes,” according to a detailed report from Ramona Shelburne.
Simmons reportedly missed time for personal reasons earlier in the season. According to Shelburne, he missed four key games in April while he dealt with the fallout from his sister accusing his half-brother and manager, Sean Tribe, of sexually abusing her as a child. He and the team stated the absence was due to a viral infection.
Simmons was an all-star in 2020-21, but struggled in the ECSF, scoring only 8.7 points per game with 6.7 rebounds and shooting 34.3% from the free throw line, all well below his career averages.
The 76ers are surviving well without the defensive stalwart, starting the season 8-5 with a +4.8 point differential that is third in the Eastern Conference.
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