Tobias Harris On Ben Simmons: “I Think We Have To Understand He's A Human First And If He’s Going Through Something We Have To Respect That And Be There For Him As A Team, Organization."

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The Ben Simmons saga continues, although the player has taken steps to return to the Philadelphia 76ers. On Friday, Simmons reportedly told the team he wasn't mentally ready to play as they expected him to play. 

While some folks attacked the player again, he received a lot of support from his teammates. Tobias Harris was very vocal about this, expressing he's 100% by Simmons' side, stating the team will be patient with the player until he feels ready to come back to the court. 

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.

Harris doubled down on those comments, saying that people should understand Ben is a person with struggles like every other. Instead of attacking or pressuring him to return before time, the forward said they need to be there for the Australian and respect his decision. 

“I think we have to understand he's a human first & if he’s going through something we have to respect that and be there for him as a team, organization. I think he needs some support and I relayed that to the group and I hope that message is clear," Harris told reporters. 

Simmons is getting ready to make his long-awaited return to the Philadelphia 76ers. Following a couple of tumultuous months, the point guard is seemingly changing his mind about playing in Philly. 

It'll take a lot of work to fix his relationship with fans, but it's clear that his teammates still got his back. Joel Embiid claimed Ben is still his brother and everybody should pay attention to that.