Report: Ben Simmons won't speak with 76ers doctors about mental readiness to play

Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris tweeted a message of support on Oct. 22 regarding All-Star guard Ben Simmons, who requested a trade away from the organization during the summer and who was said last month to not yet be "mentally ready" to play in meaningful games for the club. 

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Adrian Wojnarowski offered an update on the situation Tuesday and reported Simmons hasn't yet met with team doctors to discuss his mental readiness to participate in the 2021-22 NBA season. The story adds the 25-year-old has sought outside help through the National Basketball Players Association but hasn't spoken with the 76ers about those experiences. 

Simmons has reportedly met with team doctors to address what was referred to as "back tightness" in October and is no longer being fined by the 76ers for his unwillingness to play after he told the team on Oct. 22 he wasn't mentally ready to be in the lineup as of that time. He was reportedly docked approximately $2 million for missing preseason and regular-season games, practices, workouts and meetings during his much-publicized standoff but allegedly isn't entirely opposed to again playing for the Sixers at some point down the road. 

Philadelphia is 5-2 ahead of Wednesday's game versus the 6-1 Chicago Bulls.