Ben Simmons claimed in an interview that was published on Thursday that all he wanted was help while he was playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, but that many people within the organization did not support him as he struggled with his mental health.
Simmons’ comments were made in reference to his time with the 76ers. “I was in such a terrible situation that I said to myself, “F—-, I’m trying to get here, and you people are like throwing all these other things at me to the point where you’re not helping.”
Simmons Told His Former Sixers Teammate JJ Redick On An Episode
“And that’s all I wanted, was assistance,” Simmons said to his former Sixers colleague JJ Redick on an episode of “The Old Man and the Three.” “Podcast. “I didn’t feel like I got it from coaches or teammates—I won’t say all teammates.
Because there were great guys on that team who did reach out and are still my friends—but I didn’t feel like I got that, and it was just a tough place for me.” “I won’t say all teammates, because there are great guys on that team who did reach out and are still my friends.”
Simmons, a three-time All-Star, was traded to the Brooklyn Nets by the Philadelphia 76ers in February as part of the blockbuster deal that also included James Harden and Paul Millsap. The Sixers received Millsap and Harden in return for Simmons.
Simmons had surgery in April 2021 to treat a back problem, and as a result, he did not play for either club during the 2021-22 season. Prior to the operation, Simmons had lobbied Philadelphia to trade him after the conclusion of the 2020-21 season.
He Decided To Quit The Team
According to Simmons, he never really felt comfortable in Philadelphia throughout his five years there, and he finally left the team in February.
After pledging not to play for the Sixers again, Simmons said Redick he attempted “to do the right thing” by attempting to go back on the floor before last season. However, coach Doc Rivers booted him out of practice for being a “distraction” after Simmons rejected many times to sub in for a drill.
In the end, he received a suspension for actions that were deemed to be harmful to the team. Yes, I called Doc before the game. The doctor said something like, “Honey, you’re not ready. My head isn’t in the right place yet.
Simmons remarked on the program, “Just grasp that, please. I warned him beforehand, but he just said, “Well, I’m going to put you in anyhow.” My reaction was, “Okay, cool.” To enter, he commanded.
My eyes landed on him. As soon as practice started, everyone was like, “Ben, come in.” No one else is doing it, I say. You are intending to do harm. That’s how I felt, too. All of a sudden, it feels like everyone is out to f—- with me.
Although I am one of the physically strongest players on the squad, I am being punished for not doing weights. As a result, I am now subject to minor fines.
This whole thing was merely setting up for something bigger. It’s clear that I botched the situation, but neither did my teammates nor the individuals in charge.
Sources informed in August that Simmons, the No. 1 selection in the 2016 draft and one of the league’s greatest defenders, settled with the Sixers to regain some of the almost $20 million withheld from him.
When Redick Asked Simmons What Was Going On
Money isn’t important to me,” Simmons said to Redick. “At this point, I no longer care about financial gain. I want tranquility and contentment. If it takes what it takes to get me to a decent place, then that’s what I’m willing to do.
I value tranquility beyond anything else.” He will join new Nets teammates Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving during training camp later this month. “In other words, it’s going to be absolutely terrible. I really can’t wait, “On the show, Simmons made the following statement.
“Wow, am I psyched! Just got a new jersey and a new jersey number. As simple as that, I can’t wait. As a group, I believe we can achieve great things. If we can pull everything together, I believe we can win it all. Yes, it is the ultimate aim.”
