Ben Simmons tells 76ers boss he’s still not ready to play

The mystery surrounding Ben Simmons’ return to the court remains after he flat-batted an approach from Philadelphia’s boss.

Will Ben Simmons ever play for the 76ers again?

Ben Simmons has reportedly told Philadelphia he is still not ready to return to the floor and there is no timeline on his comeback to the NBA as he continues to deal with mental health issues.

The Aussie basketball star has been unable to secure his desired trade away from the 76ers and is yet to suit up for the team in its new campaign after a dramatic off-season that saw the relationship between player and franchise deteriorate beyond breaking point.

Watch the 21/22 NBA Season with ESPN on Kayo. Live coverage every week plus every game of the NBA Finals. New to Kayo? Start your free trial >

Last month a disinterested Simmons was kicked out of practice and he has since cited mental health concerns are behind his absence from the court.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported on Thursday about Philly’s latest move to ask when Simmons might expect to be back playing, whenever he feels ready.

“76ers president Daryl Morey approached All-Star Ben Simmons today about his return to game action, but Simmons restated that he is not yet mentally ready to play and is continuing to seek professional help,” Charania tweeted.

“There’s no timetable on Simmons’ return to the floor.

“Team officials have been supportive and have wanted to receive feedback from Simmons on his process. The 76ers have not requested specifics about Simmons‘ discussions with professionals, sources said.”

The waiting game with Ben Simmons continues. (Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images North America / AFP)

This comes after a report from ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne earlier in the week saying the 76ers were becoming frustrated Simmons was not accepting help from the team to get himself mentally ready to play again.

Simmons is instead working with mental health professionals facilitated through the NBA Players’ Association.

“There is frustration mounting according to people close to the situation that Ben has not been accepting any other help the team has offered him in terms of helping him with his mental readiness,” Shelburne told NBA Today on Wednesday (AEST).

“He has been working with mental health professionals through the Players’ Association. But thus far, he hasn’t really kept the team in the loop on that. There is frustration mounting there.

“He’s not providing the team with any updates as far as what he’s doing to get back and get himself mentally ready to rejoin the team.”

Shelburne posted on Twitter Simmons expects to be able to provide the Sixers with an update when he feels comfortable.

Joel Embiid has been publicly scathing of Simmons. (Photo by Christian Petersen / Getty Images North America / AFP)

Simmons made it clear in the off-season he wanted to be traded away from Philadelphia despite having four years and $200 million remaining on his contract. His demand came after he was heavily criticised for his role in the 76ers’ season-ending playoffs loss to Atlanta, where coach Doc Rivers and teammate Joel Embiid appeared to pinpoint the Australian’s lack of confidence on offence as a major reason for the defeat.

Ever since the elimination, trade destination rumours about Simmons have swirled with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, Portland Trailblazers and Golden State all reported to have some interest in exploring a trade deal.

According to reports, none of the informal negotiations have got anywhere near the high asking price Morey has put on Simmons, with the Sixers only willing to part with the 25-year-if they can receive a genuine star in return.