The saga between the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons is long from over, but last week it reached an unexpected resting point. Simmons, who had been suspended one game after being thrown out of practice, recently addressed the Sixers locker room and told them he's not mentally ready to play to his expectations.
The NBA has tried to be more open and supportive about player mental health, and this is a very public opportunity to demonstrate how far they've come. Simmons is already facing pushback from some who feel that his mental health issues are merely a way for him to avoid playing for the Sixers, something which National Basketball Players Association executive director Michele Roberts vehemently rejects.