Ben Simmons spoke candidly about his experiences with the Sixers during an appearance on JJ Redick’s audio files was released on Thursday. Gina Mizell of the Philadelphia Inquirer shared some of the highlights of the interview, including what Simmons believes the organization lacked about his mental state.
“I was in such a bad place, [expletive], I’m trying to get here and you guys just throw all the other stuff at me where you guys aren’t helping,” he said. “And that’s all I wanted to help. I don’t feel like I get that from the coach, the teammates – I won’t say all the teammates, because there are great people on that team who have reached out and are still my friends – but I I don’t feel like I’ve gotten that, and it’s just been a rough place for me. “
The podcast marks Simmons’ first public statement since asking the Sixers to trade last summer, in addition to his press conference after being handed over to the Nets in February. Physical and psychological problems prevented Simmons from playing for Philadelphia again, and persistent back pain prevented him from playing for Brooklyn after the move.
Simmons announced a pause before the start of training camp last year, but he ended up returning to the team to practice twice. His relationship with the Sixers took a turn for the worse after coach Doc Rivers kicked him out of practice Monday, but Simmons insists he’s “trying to do the right thing” and isn’t up to par. mentally to compete.
“I actually talked to Doc before [the practice I was kicked out],” said Simmons. “I said, ‘Doctor, I’m not ready. Mentally, I’m not ready. Please understand that. ‘ I tried to let him know ahead of time, and he said, ‘Well, I’ll get you involved anyway.’ I said, ‘All right.’ He told me to come in. I looked at him. It’s like a minute of practice, like, ‘Ben, come in.’
Simmons also addressed a number of other controversies, including his decision to pass instead of plunging into a crucial game in his final game in Philadelphia (he admits it was a mistake but explains what he’s seeing in the moment) and media reports that he had his cell phone in his pocket during his only full practice last fall (he says it’s a rolled up shirt).
He talked about the fines the Sixers hit him after he was withheld, saying his mental condition was more important than financial concerns and saying the team hadn’t done enough. to contact him before making plans to fly a team to Los Angeles in an attempt to resolve the dispute.
Simmons also expressed optimism about a fresh start with the Nets, saying that New York City is an ideal place to relax after all the turmoil in Philadelphia.
“I really don’t care who gets to trade for whom,” says Simmons. “In that moment, I really broke down. I must have some alone time, because I am sitting in the office. I had family around and time passed, and then it happened. It was just a shock, because I spent six years in Philly. I have friends there. Now you’re telling me I’m going to New York. My family, too. It was very emotional for me at the same time. I just need to sit down and refocus. “
