The Ben Simmons saga took the next step on a path leading who knows where on Friday morning, as the All-Star and All-Defensive point guard informed the Philadelphia 76ers he's still "not mentally ready to play."
Here is how The Athletic's Shams Charania framed the discussion between Simmons, coach Doc Rivers, All-NBA center Joel Embiid and the rest of the Sixers' players before Friday's shootaround in Philadelphia:
Sources: Ben Simmons spoke to Doc Rivers, Joel Embiid and entire 76ers team today and accepted everyone needs to take responsibility, including himself — but Simmons informed them all that he’s not mentally ready to play yet and needs time.