Philadelphia 76ers hoped to find a quick solution for Ben Simmons earlier this season, however the situation around the three-time All-Star becomes more and more complicated.
Philadelphia 76ers’ top executive Daryl Morey made it abundantly clear that Philly will only move the disgruntled All-Star if they can get a difference-maker back.
Morey appeared on a radio sports talk show saying that this could drag on for a long time, claiming “this could take to four years.”
Some peers praised Morey for his stance. However, his comments evoked a negative response from the NBPA president, Michele Roberts.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill, Executive Director Michelle Roberts criticized Daryl Morey’s comments, saying that his stance does not benefit any side.
“Really? Is it so hard to believe that Ben’s not mentally at a place to compete? Professional athletes – like the rest of us – have difficult periods in our lives that require time and energy to heal. We have and will continue to provide Ben with the support and resources he needs to work through this. Threatening the prospect of ‘another four years’ serves no one’s interests. Like Tobias [Harris], I say let’s respect Ben’s space and embrace him while allowing him the time to move forward.
“So, take a breath and count to 10: We are all too good to continue to play this perpetual game of chicken.”
NBA tried to change its stance on mental health issues during the past 10 seasons, encouraging players to come out about their state of mind and the mental issues they face as athletes.
The Sixers’ superstar Joel Embiid told the crowd that Simmons is “still our brother” and they should support him just like he is, while Tobias Harris also took to Twitter to support Simmons.
