Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons has met with a team-recommended specialist to discuss mental health concerns, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Simmons is planning to continue meeting with his @NBPA-provided mental health specialist and working out regularly at the team practice facility, sources tell ESPN. Simmons has yet to play for the Sixers this season and there remains no timeline on a possible debut. https://t.co/izsAlnCmj9
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 8, 2021
Wojnarowski says Simmons is planning to continue the meetings and will keep working out at the team's practice facility.
The report came hours after Shams Charania of The Athletic reported the team was testing the validity of his pursuit of mental health assistance on Monday.
The team started fining Simmons again for missing time last week.
Sources: Ben Simmons has provided the 76ers with the names of each of his mental health professionals. The franchise has sought further details but Simmons must consent due to patient confidentiality.
The latest on Simmons and much more in Inside Pass: https://t.co/02I8Qt2HCz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 8, 2021
Simmons, Charania reports, has reportedly provided the team with names of his mental health professionals who are not able to provide specific information due to patient confidentiality.
Simmons was permitted to seek assistance from an outside source for mental health assistance as he was not comfortable with the physician on the 76ers' staff. The team felt that they should have more information on Simmons' treatment plan and a timeframe for his return.
When it comes to progress on a trade, the 76ers continue to set a high price but according to Charania, the team has engaged in talks with the Boston Celtics. Any deal involving the 76ers and Simmons would have to include Jaylen Brown,who's having a career year so far averaging 25.6 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
The 25-year-old missed all of training camp and the early part of the pre-season in the wake of his off-season trade demand, but eventually rejoined the team – only to be kicked out of practice on Oct. 19 and suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team.
Simmons has yet to play for the 76ers this season.
