76ers are worsening Ben Simmons’ mental health issues, says agent Rich Paul: ‘This is no longer about a trade’

Ben Simmons, who has not performed a recreation for the Philadelphia 76ers since reportedly requesting a commerce in June, feels that the group is worsening his psychological well being by means of “fines, focusing on and unfavorable publicity,” in keeping with Simmons’ agent and Klutch Sports activities CEO, Wealthy Paul.

In a report from The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Paul insists that the 76ers try to pressure Simmons to play regardless of him informing the workforce that he’s not mentally ready to return to the courtroom. Simmons reported to coaching camp two weeks late and was thrown out of shape for refusal to take part on Oct. 19. Three days later, he knowledgeable the group that he was not mentally ready to play. The group resumed fining Simmons for his absences on Nov. 5, in keeping with Charania, resulting from an absence of readability about his course of and therapy for his psychological well being points. 

“Both you assist Ben, or come out and say he is mendacity,” Paul advised The Athletic. “Which one is it?”

A 76ers spokesman advised Charania that the group is “completely not” making an attempt to pressure Simmons into enjoying and that they’ve been totally cooperative by offering sources for Simmons. The workforce’s place is that Simmons ought to take part in actions similar to practices, shootarounds, and video periods till there’s data from the workforce’s psychological well being skilled or from Simmons that states he’s unable to take action.

Simmons met with the 76ers’ psychological well being specialist on Monday, however the workforce says it has but to obtain any data from the specialist or from Simmons that may preclude him from enjoying or practising.

Paul disagrees with the 76ers’ evaluation.

“He is not there but. How can a health care provider, who has solely met with Ben as soon as, say, ‘Ben is mentally able to play?’ So will we hold digging on him, or assist him?” Paul advised The Athletic. “Now that we perceive that reluctance from Ben, all of it is smart. There was a shying away from it. If Ben has repeatedly proven habits that entails he is not mentally able to play, embrace him. Assist him. We’ve to take away our ego from it. All of us should take duty.” 

Paul additionally stated that previously few months, the main focus has shifted from Simmons’ commerce request to easily providing help for his psychological well being.

“That is not a couple of commerce. That is about discovering a spot the place we will help Ben get again to his psychological power and get again on the ground. I would like him on the ground enjoying the sport that he loves,” Paul advised The Athletic. “I would like Ben on the ground whether or not that is in a 76ers uniform or every other uniform. That is less than me, however I would like him in a state the place he can resume play. We need to cooperate and need to work him again on the ground.”

In keeping with Charania’s report, Simmons has agreed to permit his private therapist to share data and collaborate with the 76ers’ psychological well being professionals as they pursue the very best course of therapy.