Running Thread: The Latest Ben Simmons News

By Michael Lipinski, Sports Talk Philly Contributor

Welcome to the official Sports Talk Philly thread featuring all the Ben Simmons drama you could ever want! Like KYW we will keep you updated two, three, four times a day.  

Friday, October 22, 2021

And we’ll respect his privacy and space during this time. When he’s ready, we will embrace our brother with love and handle our business on the court. That's it, that's all. https://t.co/eardjmQbz8

— Tobias Harris (@tobias31) October 22, 2021

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.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 22, 2021

Simmons reported to shootaround today ahead of Nets game and was seen engaged around the team, sources said. The three-time All-Star has expressed he wants to play but isn't prepared mentally. https://t.co/DUuPfGch2s

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 22, 2021

Thursday, October 21, 2021 

ESPN Sources: All-Star Ben Simmons arrived and departed the 76ers practice facility today without taking part in a scheduled individual workout. His status for Friday night's game vs. Brooklyn (ESPN, 7:30 PM) is unclear. As a team, the Sixers had no practice today.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2021

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

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

All-Star guard Ben Simmons is expected to come early to the 76ers shootaround on Friday morning to discuss his playing status with organizational leadership, sources tell ESPN. Sixers play the Nets on ESPN and team is still hopeful that Simmons will participate in shootaround.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 21, 2021

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

Daryl Morey, in a Philadelphia radio interview, confirming what's been widely believed: He will not be pressured into trading Ben Simmons. "People should buckle in," Morey said. "This is going to go a long time."

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) October 21, 2021