PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Ben Simmons has yet to show signs of actually suiting up for Friday's game against the Brooklyn Nets. Sources have said that Simmons is not "mentally ready" to play, and his absence will reportedly continue to lead to fines for the Philadelphia 76ers guard.
Simmons arrived and showed up to the Sixers' practice facility on Thursday, but did not participate in a scheduled individual workout, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
Wojnarowski added that Simmons' status for Friday's home opener against the Brooklyn Nets is unclear, but further clarifies that it is "unlikely" that he plays.
Shams Charania of The Athletic later reported that Simmons, who received back treatment today, is "not mentally ready to play for the Sixers and is not expected to play for an undetermined period of time."
Wojnarowski confirmed that Simmons claimed he had "back tightness," but the Sixers' staff let him participate in the workout, which he skipped anyway.
Simmons was expected to address the media following Tuesday's practice for the first time since the team's eliminating loss against the Hawks, but that was canceled after he was kicked out of practice by Doc Rivers and subsequently suspended for the team's season opener on Wednesday night.
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Throughout the offseason, Simmons was quietly working out in Los Angeles while reports circulated that he was demanding a trade and did not want to play another game for the 76ers. However last week, Simmons showed up the Sixers' practice facility and re-joined the team.
Simmons is also working on selling both of his properties: His home in New Jersey valued at $5 million, and his $3.1 million condominium at the Ritz-Carlton in Center City.
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The mental health conversation has come to the forefront of Philadelphia sports this week with the return of Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson, following what he described was a three-week battle with both depression and anxiety.
