Sixers: Ben Simmons takes first steps in repairing relationships

The Ben Simmons saga has taken yet another fascinating and somewhat unexpecting twist. Up to this point in the drama surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons had been blaming the club and teammate for his shortcomings. However, things to be shifting now in the Sixers’ favor.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Simmons let team officials know “…that he wasn’t mentally ready to play to his expectations and needed time to step away.” Wojnarowski also let it be known that Simmons address the coaching staff and his teammates. It should also be noted that Simmons made that point that everyone needed to be accountable, including himself, per Shames Charania of The Athletic.

Simmons and the Sixers are taking the first steps to fix their differences.

This is a big first step considering that it appeared that the relationship between Simmons and Joel Embiid was done. After that meeting, Embiid addressed the 76ers home fans at the home opener against the Brooklyn Nets stating;

"“A lot has happened the last few months and I hope you guys continue to support us and our teammate Ben, because he’s still our brother. Let’s go!”"

That’s a pretty big endorsement to be sure. Then teammates like Georges Niang and Tobias Harris showed support for Simmons as well. Considering that it was just a few days prior that Simmons was thrown out of practice by head coach Doc Rivers, this is a big change.

It should be noted that according to Woj, the Sixers are still offering Simmons all the medical assistance he needs at this time. Based on his statement and this bit of news, it would seem to indicate that this is a mental health issue for Simmons. To be clear, I’m not stating that it is, but based on the evidence presented, mental health could be one explanation in this situation.

That being written, if that does end up being the case, then there should be a level of sympathy for Simmons. To be clear, having sympathy doesn’t absolve him from the mistakes he’s made in the past, but gives context and understanding on how things played out.

This is the first in many steps for there to be a potential reconciliation between the Sixers and Simmons, but it’s an important one.