NBA News: Disgruntled Star's Agent Says Sixers Actions Contributing To Mental Health Woes

Rich Paul, the manager of Ben Simmons, stressed that the approach of the Philadelphia 76ers organization in dealing with his client's dilemma is not helping resolve the issue.

According to Simmons' handler, the way how the team sorts out the entire predicament only aggravates the mental health problems of the 25-year-old cager.

Paul made the comments in a chat with Shams Charania of The Athletic.

"I truly believe the fines, the targeting, the negative publicity shined on the issue - that's very unnecessary and has furthered the mental health issues for Ben," the agent stated. "Either you help Ben or come out and say he's lying. Which one is it?"

The Sixers, as well as some sports pundits, are believed to not entirely buying into the excuse of the camp of Simmons alleging mental health issues as the reason why he continues to hold out.

It will be recalled that the former top pick initially held out as he sought a trade to another team from the Sixers

. However, he surprised many when he suddenly showed up at the arena on October 11.

The understanding by most is that Simmons returned after Philly started to withhold the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year’s paychecks.

However, as shared on photos and feedbacks shared, it was quite clear that the Australian was present physically but showed little to no interest in participating in the workouts.

Mental health is something that is taken seriously, and there are insinuations that it was just a front. But as far as Paul is concerned, that is not the case.

"As an agent, I understand contractual obligations and I hold myself accountable in this business. But if someone is telling you something, we can no longer turn a blind eye in today's world,” Paul said.

The Sixers offered to extend help to Simmons’ health issues by recommending a medical specialist, but the franchise star preferred to seek professional help of his own choosing.

A new problem cropped up when a source close to Simmons claimed that his camp will only provide the team with updates on his progress once he is comfortable doing so, ESPN reported.

But in the latest report by ESPN last Tuesday, November 9, it was mentioned that Simmons has changed his mind to meet the recommended mental health clinician of the Sixers.