Ben Simmons told Philadelphia 76ers he’s not ‘prepared mentally’ to play

The disgruntled Aussie reportedly met with the rest of the team this week and said he needs time because he is not “prepared mentally”.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JUNE 20: Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during Round 2, Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs on June 20, 2021 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2021 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

Maybe Ben Simmons needs to trust the process?

The disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers point guard met with head coach Doc Rivers, centre Joel Embiid and the rest of the team on Friday, and said he wants to play, but needs time because he is not “prepared mentally,” according to The Athletic.

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In the Friday meeting, Simmons “accepted everyone needs to take responsibility, including himself,” per the report.

Simmons served a one-game suspension during Wednesday’s win over the Pelicans for refusing to participate in team drills at practice the day prior.

Simmons reportedly attended shootaround on Thursday, where he was engaged around the team ahead of the Sixers’ Friday home opener against the Nets. It’s unlikely Simmons will play.

“And we’ll respect his privacy and space during this time,” Philadelphia forward Tobias Harris tweeted on Friday. “When he’s ready, we will embrace our brother with love and handle our business on the court. That’s it, that’s all.”

Ben Simmons reportedly told the Philadelphia 76ers he is not “prepared mentally” to play. Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

Tyrese Maxey replaced the All-Star guard against the Pelicans and had a solid performance alongside Embiid, who expressed his disdain for Simmons and his ongoing drama.

“At this point, I don’t care about that man, honestly,” Embiid said. “He does what he wants.”

Last week, Simmons returned to Philadelphia after spending months away from the team in a holdout that began after his historically poor performance in the playoffs.

The 25-year-old, who missed all of pre-season, has made it clear he wants a trade through. It remains unclear what his future looks like in Philadelphia.

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission