Ben Simmons is not convinced on how the Philadelphia 76ers are handling his primary concern.
As posted by Shams Charania of The Athletic, the star point forward believes that the franchise is making his mental health even worse, and wants to make himself believe that he is ready to don a Sixers uniform.
His agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul questioned Philly’s commitment to aid the recovery process, claiming that the fines and negative impressions being put against Simmons only make things complicated.
“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. Either you help Ben, or come out and say he’s lying. Which one is it?
– Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul (via Shams Charania of The Athletic)
“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.”
Simmons met with Sixers specialists on Monday to have a one-hour consultation, and team officials said the point forward has more scheduled meetings to comply and documentations to be part of to show that he is taking each necessary step in the process. In a team-issued questionnaire that the three-time All-star fulfilled on Wednesday, a source said that the inquiries are much inclined about Simmons’ desire to be traded — not about the current state of his mental health.
Meanwhile, 76ers officials cleared their case and expressed their support for Simmons’ recovery. They also argued that the organization released the $8.25 million that they withheld in an escrow on October 19 for Simmons — hours before it was kicked out of the drills for not participating in a defensive drill.
“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.”
– Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul (via Shams Charania of The Athletic)
In connection to this, Sixers officials stated that they were delighted to hear Paul’s sentiments of Simmons sticking in Philadelphia. President of basketball operations Daryl Morey has been vocal about the Australian cager returning to the roster, even showing strong beliefs that Simmons is a crucial piece of 76ers’ title aspirations.
For now, this is the newest intriguing subject to follow about the complicated saga in the City of Brotherly Love. No doubt that this can even further stretch, with all the drama and differences that can’t be tackled by the two conflicting sides.
Sixers fell to the Toronto Raptors at home on Thursday, 115-109, sliding to their fifth loss of the season.
