Ben Simmons opens up on ‘dark times’ following messy Philadelphia 76ers exit, NBA news, Joel Embiid, Daryl Morey, Doc Rivers relationship
Ben Simmons has opened up on the “dark times” he has experienced since he last set foot on a basketball court, insisting that his mental health battle began well before last year’s playoff flameout.
Speaking for the first time since he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a package which saw former NBA MVP James Harden go to Philadelphia, the Australian touched on his personal struggles and his relationship with the 76ers organisation.
Simmons named Sixers owner Josh Harris, GM Elton Brand, his old coach Doc Rivers and former teammate Tobias Harris has individuals who had supported him over the last few months. Two curious omissions were Sixers president of basketball operations, Daryl Morey, and Simmons’ former All-Star teammate Joel Embiid.
“For me, it was about making sure I was mentally right to get out there again,” Simmons said.
“That’s something that I’ve been dealing with. It wasn’t about the fans or coaches or comments made by anybody, it was a personal thing for me that was earlier than that series or even that season that I was dealing with.
“That organisation knew that and that is something that I continue to deal with and I’m getting there and getting back to the right place.”
The 25-year-old is still unable to put a date on when he will be able to play his first game for the Nets, but indicated that he hopes to be available when his new team travels to Philadelphia on March 10.
Simmons’ relationship with Embiid is something that has been well-scrutinised over the pair’s time together and it appears there is no love lost between the duo, particularly after Embiid’s tweet immediately following the trade. Simmons said he had not spoken to his old teammate following the move.
Critics of Simmons’, particularly fans and some reporters in Philadelphia, have questioned the validity of his mental health battle. The Australian had a simple response.
“They should be happy I’m smiling, honestly,” he said.
“I’ve had some dark times over these last six months and I’m just happy to be in this situation with this team and the organisation. People are going to say what they want, they have in the last six months and I haven’t commented.”
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