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Reports: 76ers' Ben Simmons skips workout, could be out indefinitely

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/21/21

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:

Simmons has yet to fully engage in a team practice, so it remains unlikely that he would make his season-debut vs. the Nets on Friday. https://t.co/aJgQKegjc4
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2021

Wojnarowski later tweeted Simmons received treatment for "back tightness" at the facility:

Ben Simmons described back tightness to several Sixers staff members and was briefly treated for it today, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2021

The Sixers' medical staff cleared Simmons to participate in the workout after the back treatment, sources tell ESPN. The Sixers had hoped to see Simmons in the workout today and have him go through shoot-around on Friday morning prior to game vs. Nets. https://t.co/WygyAnShmz
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2021

However, The Athletic's Shams Charania reiterated a previous report and said Simmons isn't "mentally ready" to play for the Sixers:

Sources: 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons is currently not mentally ready to play for the team and was receiving treatment on his back today due to ramp up process. He will miss Friday’s home opener vs. Nets and is not expected to play for an undetermined period of time.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2021

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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