Ben Simmons breaks silence on ugly departure from 76ers, opens up on ‘dark times’

Ben Simmons has broken his silence on his ugly fallout with Philadelpia 76ers, revealing it had taken a toll on his mental health.

Ben Simmons has opened up on his ugly exit from the 76ers.

Newly acquired Ben Simmons isn’t exactly sure when he will be able to suit up for the Nets, but the three-time All-Star expressed that he’s “super excited” to land in Brooklyn after experiencing what he described as “dark times” at the end of his tenure with the 76ers.

The New York Post reports Simmons made his first public comments since the tumultuous conclusion of his final season in Philadelphia last June – which was followed by a trade request and time away for the entirety of this season, partly to take care of his mental health.

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“I’ve had some dark times over the last six months and I’m just happy to be in this situation with this team and organisation,” Simmons said in a press conference at the Nets’ practice facility.

“People are gonna say what they want. They’ve said it the last six months and I haven’t commented and it is what it is. People are always gonna have their own opinions.

“But I think just the way everybody’s welcomed me here has been great. It’s been a very positive experience, just being here so far. And I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”

Simmons, who was flanked on a podium between Nets GM Sean Marks and coach Steve Nash, added he’s “definitely” excited for a fresh start.

He also joked “we’ll be here all day” if he responded to all of the criticism he faced until the blockbuster trade that sent him to Brooklyn in exchange for unhappy All-Star guard James Harden.

Ben Simmons speaking to media about his exit from the 76ers.

“I think I didn’t sleep much the first few days, but overall it’s been a great experience so far,” the 25-year-old Simmons said.

“The organisation has welcomed me like their own and whatever I need they’ve been very supportive with that, which has been great, same as the players. Super excited to get out there eventually and play.”

The 210cm guard wouldn’t project a timetable for his Nets debut, although he replied: “I hope so”, when asked if he expects to be playing well ahead of a potential return game in Philadelphia on March 10.

“I don’t have a date yet,” Simmons said.

“But I’m working towards getting back to the floor … I’m starting to ramp it up.”

He added that he has spoken with Sixers owner Josh Harris, general manager Elton Brand, coach Doc Rivers and teammates such as Tobias Harris since the trade, but notably acknowledged that he has not spoken to All-Star centre Joel Embiid, who had been critical of him publicly since last season ended.

Ben Simmons says his exit from Philly took a toll on his mental health.

“For me, it was just making sure mentally I was right to get out there and play,” Simmons said.

“So that’s something that I’ve been, dealing with. And it wasn’t about the fans or coaches or comments made by anybody; it was just a personal thing for me,” Simmons said.

“It was a bunch of things I was dealing with as a person in my personal life that I don’t really want to go into depth with.

“But I’m here now. So it’s a blessing to be in an organisation like this. And I’m just looking forward to getting back on the floor and doing something great here.”

With Kevin Durant presently sidelined with a knee injury and Kyrie Irving eligible only for the majority of road games due to his unvaccinated COVID-19 status, the Nets had lost 11 consecutive games before winning on Tuesday against Sacramento at Barclays Center.

Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Barclays Center. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

Simmons sat on the bench, while the two players acquired with him in the blockbuster deal – shooter Seth Curry and big man Andre Drummond – moved into the starting line-up in their Nets debuts.

“I’m excited to get on the floor with these guys, incredible team, incredible talent, so I’m super excited,” Simmons said when asked about eventually playing alongside Durant and Irving.

“I think it’s gonna be scary. Having those guys run alongside me, multiple different weapons in the floor, I think at the pace we want to play at, it’s going to be unreal.”

This article originally appeared in the New York Post and was repurposed with permission.