76ers' Tobias Harris tweets support for All-Star Ben Simmons
Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers previously said he would welcome All-Star guard Ben Simmons back into the lineup after Simmons requested a trade away from the organization and then skipped multiple weeks of training camp. That, however, was before the club suspended Simmons for Wednesday's regular-season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans after the 25-year-old wouldn't take part in a drill during practice, and before Simmons didn't participate in a scheduled individual workout Thursday but received treatment for "back tightness" at the team facility.
The Athletic's Shams Charania later reported Simmons isn't "mentally ready" to play, and Charania reiterated that claim Friday. Philadelphia forward Tobias Harris responded to Charania's tweet:
Philadelphia defeated New Orleans 117-97 and will host the Brooklyn Nets for its home opener on Friday night.
76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey told sports radio station 97.5 The Fanatic on Thursday the Simmons situation may not be resolved for "four years," which is the remaining length of the three-time All-Star's contract.
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