Sources tell ESPN that Philadelphia 76ers All Star guard Ben Simmons will meet with doctors to get an evaluation. He told the team on Friday that he was not mentally ready to play according to his expectations.
Sources said that Simmons met with Doc Rivers, his medical staff, and his teammates separately Friday morning at Camden's team facility in Camden, New Jersey. They began a process that will likely continue and prevent him from making it to the start of the season.
Sources said that Simmons told the Sixers' medical staff about his reasons for seeking help. The Sixers offered Simmons any resources they needed to help him.
Simmons has been fined by the Sixers for missing practices, games and meetings. This season's fine is close to $2 million. However, there's a clause in the collective bargaining agreement which protects the salary of players who fail to render services "if such failure was caused by the player’s mental disability."
Simmons, 25, made a request for a trade four-months ago. He has stated that he is not interested in playing again for the Sixers. Simmons was on the floor for his contract to be honored, but Sixers were unable to reach a deal that would meet their criteria. Simmons' maximum five-year deal has $147 million and four years left.
Simmons left the practice facility on Thursday without taking part in an individual workout. Before the Sixers' medical team cleared Simmons for on-court participation, he did receive a brief back treatment.
Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations for the 76ers, stated that they wouldn't rush to trade Simmons in a radio interview on Thursday with Philadelphia 97.5 The Fanatic. He also said, "People should buckle down." This will take a while."
Rich Paul, Simmons' agent had informed Sixers officials that Simmons was not mentally ready to play. Sources said that Simmons relayed that message directly Friday morning before Philadelphia's game against Brooklyn Nets at 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
After coach Doc Rivers had thrown Simmons out of practice Tuesday, Simmons was expelled from the Sixers' win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Simmons had failed to submit into a practice session and was therefore suspended. Simmons was suspended Wednesday night for a loss of $227,000
Sources said that Simmons had been hoping to work out on Thursday and then have him do shootaround on Friday. Simmons was not able to practice on Thursday as he has not fully engaged in team practice since Oct. 11, after a two week holdout.
