Stephen A. reacts to Ben Simmons telling the 76ers he is not ready to play | First Take 

I keep picturing Simmons in the corner of the 76ers locker room like Kyrie on RDCWorld.😂

Stop saying, "He's a jump shot away from being Lebron James 2.0". What makes Lebron James so great is the discipline to strive for greatness. Ben Simmons has zero traces of that, "PERIOD"!

I don't think Ben really enjoys playing basketball at all, but he likes the lifestyle the money brings him. His game really hasn't improved since college.

" mentally ready " is a slick way of saying you don't want to play.

Ben Simmon's lawyer is having him play his cards just right. Very clever.

This feels like Lebron going back to Cleveland in a Heat jersey except… Ben’s still on the team 😂

People taking what he said out of context, he said "I'm not mentally ready" that is NOT an admission to dealing with mental issues, depression and the rest

I like what Perk said. Sometimes you just need a break to refocus and that’s good for your mental health. You don’t have to be clinically depressed to work on your mental health. Every time the weekend hits and you’re happy you don’t have to go to work the next day, that’s good for your mental health.

I would make Ben Simmons the highest paid G-League player in NBA history! I’m definitely not trading him unless it’s for equal value!

Impressive move by Simmons and crew. This probably lets him keep his money, no suspension, no fines, no nothing. Brilliant

For all of LBJ's faults, his dedication to the game, his personal development, and teams over the years can't be questioned. To call this drama queen LBJ 2.0 is insulting.

This is one of the very few times that I agree with Stephen A.

The way Perk stares at the camera before he talks is hilarious 😭

"If being a big Poosy is a mental illness then Simmons got it" ~Doc Rivers

I agree with Perk. I think he's just trying to get his mind right to come back, and you've got to be ready handle a rough Philly crowd.

Imagine telling your boss at work that you are not mentally ready to work at an expectational level.

Mental health is a DAILY battle. Thing is, if I wanted to go and leave because of mental health and my fear or anxiousness about being in a space that reminded me of my failure, and again the conclusion I came to (right or wrong) was to just leave it behind, I wouldn't tell you it's because of mental health reasons I'd just tell you I wanted out. People laugh and jest about mental health so unless I trust you specifically I'm not voicing that concern to you, just being fair. Now with Simmons specific to this situation I hear both sides assuming validity on both sides. Mental health and fear on behalf of Simmons make sense. But if people would articulate it more compassionately, they're requests/expectations for player growth are in no way farfetched or outlandish to be frank.

So you’re telling me after signing the 5 year max deal in 2019, all the sudden he says he’s not ready? Give this man an Oscar 😂

Stop it with that “one jump shot away from being LeBron 2.0” nonsense. Ben Simmons could shoot lights out, he still would be nothing like LeBron.

They were way too nice. He’s just scared. And didn’t prepare the entire offseason

I just want him once to play at Wells Fargo as a sixer I just want to see the reaction of the fans

The irony of what Stephen A says is just incredible.

I don't like Stephen A Smith but I give him props for pointing out the obvious that this is a bs excuse and is a cowardly move from Ben Simmons

If 76ers would’ve hired Allen Iverson as a player consultant then maybe this Ben Simmons fiasco would’ve been avoided

Yeah, we _know_ you're not ready yet. That's the point. We've seen it for 3 years now.

Problems with mental health can hit at any moment. ESPN sure had a different tune for all the Olympians pulling out over mental health 🤷‍♂️

"Not ready to play." Is the equivalent to me being perfectly fine telling my job "I have covid, I can't come in."

As a person who struggles with mental health issues, I agree with Stephen A. I don't make excuses for my issue, I show up and adjust. To me it seems very convenient for Ben to say this now. I hope he is being truthful cause using mental health as a shield is not what we should be doing.

Wise and smart words Steph A. 🙌🏼🙌🏼🔥

Stephen A taking someone at their word sounds an awful lot like anyone else calling someone a liar.

As a therapist, it is easy for someone to say another does not have mental health challenges. Just because someone did not have those challenges two or three months ago, it does not mean that their Mental Health has not regressed. Stephen A Smith your analysis on Ben Simmons mental health challenges is bogus

Great insights from Perks!!! Very thoughtful, very smart!!!

Its definitely a sus move, considering how things have played out, but ive always believed it was a mental health issue with him (fear of failure and criticism). It is however not an issue thats easy to admit to, even to yourself. Denial of personnal issues is not abnormal and i dont think its out of the realm of possibilities that he has recently had a 'breakthrough' in admitting this to himself or finding the strength to finally open up about it to others. I have always found him to be too arrogant in his response to criticism so part of me believes this is just a calculated move to avoid playing in philly but because of the nature of mental health issues needing a supportive response, you have to give him the benefit of the doubt. If he starts showing the humility that comes naturally in these situation ill change my opinion of him.

Idk guys, I'm starting to change my mind on this. Ben is a sensitive kid, and we forget he is just a kid. He's getting criticized for not being great at one freaking thing, and in all other aspects of the game, he is great. We know Philadelphia fans are pretty cruel. This is the first time he's not been absolutely great at something. Lets give him a break and not pile on

This was an amazing take. Never seen Perk talk so calmly before 😂

two good takes in this segment

I’m pulling for you Ben Simmons!

Simmons is however ready to be paid.

What ben simmons is doing really laying the foundation for the owners to strike

Mental health is just as important as physical health. If he broke his leg nobody would question if he should play or not

he is trying to make sure the millions keep rolling in without playing. rich paul and Ben has planned this out.

He’s just not ready to face the consequences of his actions !!!

As someone who spent a decade with mental health… Ben Simmons doesn’t have mental health issues… all this is, is Ben Simmons stressing out trying to find an excuse so he can keep his money, not get fined or suspended…

If the Pacers really offered Brogdon, they should've taken the trade.

Simmons need to learn how to block all the negative voices out there. Imagine being Giannis last playoffs when the whole crowd was counting down during his free throw attempts.

Thank you KP. SAS talking needlessly about mental health

Perk's perspective is so wise. The media onslaught, plus this battle, would be tough to play in that crowd.

What get’s me is the fact the 76s keep catering to this kid and his nonsense. Upper management needs to start growing a pair and show this kid who’s the boss and who’s paying your checks under contract which he signed and agreed upon. no player is bigger than the team.

New ESPN first take is great...It's basically Stephen A talking to himself.

Even if he is lying how will you know or find out lol yall mad he won't be playing to be booed

Molly & Perk 😂😂😂😂

Big perk my boy is tiiiiiredd 😂😂🤣

Love Stephan a keeping it real on this topic

“Molly and Perc” lmao

This situation is getting wilder & wilder as the days go on. Goodness.

Top notch analysis by Perk.

I just think He doesnt want to be on the court in front of the fans that are about to destroy him

Go to the kings Ben Simmons forMarvin Bagley

I was thinking exactly what Steven A said before he even says it. Good to know even though they say things to get our reaction but they don’t ever take things too far.

Good one Perk

Hope Joel see how the organization treats you when your down no superstar ain’t signing there imagine if the clippers did this to Paul George when he was in that dark place, the clippers team supported Paul George and he came back on fire the next season

I BELIEVE BEN AND I HOPE AND PRAY🙏 HE GETS THE HELP HE NEEDS THIS IS NOTHING TO PLAY WITH...

Oh that was a great come back on his part

Great perk take

I kinda feel Simmons a bit. When I played basketball I used to always fear having a fast break layup and missing and would rather jack up a three then to cut to the rim in fear of missing an easy bucket. It gets to you mentally, especially in basketball cause you literally can't hide on the court.

So Stephen A’s assessment is that if there weren’t mental health issues before then Ben definitely can’t have developed any issues or anxieties while being under all this intense media scrutiny for months now. Empathy, it’s important.

Stephen A: imma take him at his word, then tell everyone else all the reasons not to 😂

I wasn’t able to watch the full episode on television that’s why I checked out this clip but I’m not sure if this clip showed Kendrick Perkins whole thought on the situation. At the point where this clip ends it sounded like Kendrick Perkins was going to say more.

Perk looks faded

Stephen A over here talking like he’s about to storm the beaches at Normandy……

Shout out to all the real people fighting mental problems what a shame

Stop it Ben Simmons stop! I can't handle it, it's so funny!

Not seen Perk for a while..... looks lean up!... you been blazin that Jamaican cabbage again Sir?

He is a Real Kardashian.

There’s a thin line between mental health issues and being unwilling to go through uncomfortable situations. I think Ben is under too much pressure and scrutiny. Sixers should have traded him by now.

"Dr. SAS." lmao sike naw :D

I never heard Iverson say he wasn't mentally ready to play.

I feel bad for Ben he still did this to himself but bro something like this could really effect someone’s mental.People are going to criticize him but imagine going to a “home” opener game hearing your name being dragged and expected to play lights out.It’s expected of him I get it but I also understand you got to be locked in mentally to undergo the amount of hate he’s going to get.

I wish all the best to this guy and has to improve himself

my first reaction is"when does he ever ready?"

Im glad Stephen A. took this route

Anyone who watched him since his sister made those accusations against his step brother could see Ben has been struggling mentally.

I'm gonna try this at my work place next week "sorry boss i'm not mentally ready for work today" DIVA!

Key Word (Mentally)

Simmons should get suspended without pay by the 76ers until he honors his contract. What a crybaby, I actually feel bad for the rest of his team.

Man this is actually sad, Ben Simmons from being the "Young King" to a player who cant face the own team......I still hope he overcome this

He playing the crazy card.

Lol he pulling the “mental health “ card . So why don’t he take a year off and give back his 2021-2022 salary. It must be soo tough to attempt to shoot a free throw. 🙄

Man if I was getting paid 150 million dollars I wouldn't care what anybody says🤷🏿‍♂️

This guy mentality checking out that’s what he doing. He’s being a clown 🤡

I love you SAS

remember the time when Bynum, who was signed by sixers, was on DNP because of his injury (if I remember, I believe it was knee or back), then he got caught by picture of him bowling. so it's not strange to doubt for Simmons with cases like Bynum, especially the timing of it.

How you gonna say you believe him but then give every reason why you wouldn’t believe him. Lost me with this one

He tweaking

Stephen only saying facts 💯

Molly looks crazy 🤣🤣🤣

Stephen A killed kyrie for personal reasons

Dune looks great. It's like frickin' Star Wars. I kinda want to finish it in the theater and not on my Razr 5G. Will do so in 2 hours. The production values are incredible. It has great world building.

I’m gonna use this excuse to call or Monday lol

Big Perk 100% spot on.