Ben Simmons addresses teammates, finally takes responsibility

In an update today that I don’t think ANYONE was expecting, Ben Simmons has finally taken a step in the right direction. After four months of nothing but drama surrounding the 76ers organization and Ben Simmons, it looks like we finally have some progress. After yesterday’s debacle where Simmons showed up in Camden claiming he had a back injury and ultimately missing his scheduled individual workout, Simmons returned to the Wells Fargo Center this morning. 

In an update from Shams on Twitter, Simmons spoke with Doc Rivers, Joel Embiid, and the entire 76ers team today. He accepted everyone needs to take responsibility, including himself, which is something that we haven’t read or seen over the last four months. 

Simmons reported to shootaround today ahead of Nets game and was seen engaged around the team, sources said. The three-time All-Star has expressed he wants to play but isn't prepared mentally. https://t.co/DUuPfGch2s

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 22, 2021

Simmons continued to inform the team that he’s not mentally ready to take the court again and will need some time. 

This news comes after Daryl Morey joined Mike Missanelli yesterday on The Fanatic and told 76ers fans to “buckle up” because the entire situation with Ben Simmons could take a while to reach a resolution. 

Morey and the 76ers organization, through everything, has remained steadfast on the fact that they want Ben Simmons to return to the court and play for the 76ers. After a million failed attempts to force a trade, it finally looks like Ben Simmons is willing to accept the fact that he’s not going to be traded for the sake of being traded. 

Shams continued saying that Simmons reported to shoot around today ahead of tonight’s game and was seen engaged around the team. Ben Simmons expressed he wants to play, but it’s prepared mentally. Say whatever you want about Ben Simmons. This entire offseason and now season up until now has been a painful rollercoaster fueled with a million different emotions.

As a huge Ben Simmons guy, I finally reached my tipping point earlier this week with his practice antics, but god damn do I love a great comeback story, as any Philadelphian should. There’s a strong chance that Ben Simmons is growing up right before our eyes and I’m all for it.

Finally, we are making some progress.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ZP2IfIZORwSgQ4ZOxZU5g?si=gip7xVPRRYCE0t4EhQK7OQ

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY