PHILADELPHIA (94WIP Sportsradio) — During his introductory press conference as a Net, Ben Simmons said he was dealing with a personal issue that he doesn't want to go into depth about, but he said the trade "wasn't about the fans, coaches, or anything that anyone said."
When asked if he will be ready to play for the Nets' game in Philadelphia on March 10, he replied, "I hope so."
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Simmons emphasized that mental health had nothing to do with the trade and it was a personal issue.
"I just wasn't in the place there to do that, and a lot of things happened there over the summer where I didn't feel like I was getting the help. It was about myself, getting myself into a place where I needed to be," he said.
Ben Simmons said he has spoken with Elton Brand, Joshua Harris, Tobias Harris and Doc Rivers, but not Joel Embiid. Overall, he said he felt like the Sixers supported him and were happy for him.
Simmons attended Monday's Nets shootaround, as well as Brooklyn's game — a 109-85 blowout win over the Kings, behind Seth Curry's team-high 23 points in his Nets debut.