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Tensions are mounting in Philadelphia.
Ben Simmons has been reluctant to work with the 76ers to improve his mental readiness to return to the team, according to ESPN.
It’s been nearly two weeks since the All-Star guard told Philadelphia he is not “prepared mentally” to play, after skipping training camp and preseason in a summer holdout from the team.
The Sixers organization has reportedly grown frustrated with Simmons’ refusal to accept assistance from the team to aid in his mental health.
Simmons has worked with mental health professionals provided by the league since the summer, but has not provided information about those meetings to the Sixers, according to the outlet.
The Australian star opened up about his mental health days after he served a one-game suspension for refusing to participate in team drills at practice. Head coach Doc Rivers, at the time, kicked him out of practice.
The Sixers reportedly stopped fining Simmons when he informed the team he is not yet mentally ready to play. He was previously fined nearly $2 million for missing games, practices and meetings.
Simmons requested a trade and separated himself from the team over the summer after a poor performance in the playoffs, during which he made only 34.2 percent of his free throws.
While the team continues its attempts at helping their estranged point guard with his mental health, the Sixers are reportedly unsure whether or not Simmons is on board.
It remains unclear when he will return to the team. Simmons has four years and $147 million left on the max contract he signed in 2019.
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