Ben Simmons make appearance at Sixers' latest film session at Wells Fargo Center, as agent says team tactics are worsening his mental illness
Philadelphia InquirerNov 11, 2021
Nov. 12—There was a
The disgruntled point guard was on hand for the 76ers' film study before his teammates faced the
"I honestly didn't know, but he was," coach
Simmons, who requested a trade, has yet to play this season due to being mentally unable to play. His agent,
Paul said the team wants to consider Simmons mentally ready to play regardless of what he tells the team's mental health therapist.
"I truly believe the fines, the targeting, the negative publicity shines on the issue," Paul said. "That's very unnecessary and has furthered the mental health issue to Ben. Either you help Ben, or come out and say he's lying. Which one is it?"
A team official denied that the Sixers were forcing Simmons to return or accusing him of lying. The team wants him to partake in all team activities until they receive information from Simmons or its mental health therapist that would make it impossible for him to play.
However, the team sent Simmons a schedule for Thursday, which included its game against the Raptors, according to the report. The player believed it was an effort to withhold his
Sources said he left the building hours before the game started. The Sixers have said they've been supportive of Simmons and worked to provide any possible resource.
Rivers added that Simmons wasn't on the floor during shootaround, but he's been around the team more. But it was obvious that Rivers didn't want to talk about the sidelined player.
"I honestly — once the season starts, I'm focusing on [basketball]," Rivers said. "I let
Sources:
But there was belief around the league that Simmons would join the team on their upcoming six-game road, which begins Saturday against the
"Again, we play the
But considering Simmons' status and how his impending return could affect the Sixers falls under Rivers' job description.So how does he plan tomake sure the team keeps the chemistry intact if Simmons returns?
"I'm not worried about that," Rivers said. "He's not here. I'm focused on Toronto. When and if that happens, we will deal with it and it'll be OK. I believe that. ... Of all the 40 things I did today, that was not on the list."
Simmons met with the Sixers' recommended specialist to discuss his mental state on
He had, instead, been working with mental-health professionals through the
Simmons has yet to participate in full-team activities at the Sixers' practice facilities. In addition to receiving treatment, he's participated in individual shooting drills.
Niang is a good fit for Sixers
The power forward signed a multi-year deal with the Sixers back on
The sixth-year veteran is averaging career highs of 12.6 points, 1.6 assists and 23.1 minutes through 12 games. Niang also shot 41.3% on three-pointers and played with intensity as Sixers fans shared their adoration.
"The energy in this area is unreal," he said. "I remember the first time I got here, I think it was the Brooklyn game [on
Niang had a season-high tying 21 points while making a season-high five three-pointers in Wednesday's loss to the
Niang didn't score in double figures until the 11th game of the season last year with the
"I have high expectations for myself," Niang said when asked if things are going better than expected. "I don't want to come off as arrogant. But I don't even look at it like that. I look at it as like I have an opportunity every day.
"Either I'm going to continue to grow or I'm going to be the same. If I'm staying the same, someone is passing me."
He added it has been easy for him to come in and maximize the opportunity with Rivers putting him in positions to excel.
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