Reports: 76ers' Ben Simmons skips workout, could be out indefinitely
Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers called the drama involving wantaway and suspended All-Star guard Ben Simmons a "predicament" before his team went and defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 117-97 in Wednesday's regular-season opener.
It appears that result hasn't changed Simmons' mind or feelings about the franchise.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports Simmons arrived at and then departed the team's practice facility Thursday without participating in a scheduled individual workout. Wojnarowski adds it's "unlikely" Simmons will play in Friday's home opener versus the Brooklyn Nets:
Wojnarowski later tweeted Simmons received treatment for "back tightness" at the facility:
However, The Athletic's Shams Charania reiterated a previous report and said Simmons isn't "mentally ready" to play for the Sixers:
Simmons earned his one-game ban that he served Wednesday after he allegedly refused to take part in a defensive drill during a practice. The 25-year-old skipped multiple weeks of training camp following his much-publicized trade request and has reportedly been fined over $1.7 million, total, for missing preseason and regular-season contests, practices, on-court workouts and meetings during this standoff.
The Athletic's Shams Charania and Rich Hofmann said earlier this week Simmons has "mentally checked out of Philadelphia" but could potentially play for the club again at some point down the road. That point seemingly won't be Friday night or anytime soon.
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