NBA reporter Marc J. Spears reports that Ben Simmons addressed people skeptical about his mental health for the first time since he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets.
Simmons responded: "If they are happy I am smiling," Spears said. Over the past six months, I have experienced some dark times," he said.
After a video of Simmons engaging with new teammate Kevin Durant emerged on Twitter, Howard Eskin of Sportsradio WIP in Philadelphia took Simmons to task on Twitter.
“So much for Ben Simmons mental illness,” he tweeted. “Amazing how that was just fine once he got traded. Insulting to those that really suffer.”
Simmons also reflected on what transpired with the Philadelphia 76ers during his Monday press conference, saying he needed to get back to “being happy as a person.”
It seems like he's looking forward to playing for the Nets in the future. “It’s a blessing to be in an organization like this,” he added.
The former Philadelphia 76er wanted to be traded for some time, and he finally got his wish after a tough season in which his team lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs. He was eventually suspended for one game and was not allowed to practice, and he never played another game for the 76ers this season.