Ben Simmons tells 76ers he's not mentally ready to play to his expectations: Sources

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Ben Simmons met with Philadelphia 76ers medical professionals and head coach Doc Rivers on Friday morning hours before the team's home opener, sources say.

Sources tell Action News and ESPN that Simmons informed Rivers and the medical staff that he's not mentally ready to play to his expectations now.

Sources says Simmons also spoke with his teammates, including Joel Embiid.

Simmons will not play in Friday night's home opener.

Sources say he will be evaluated by medical professionals who will decide the next steps.

According to sources, Simmons' agent, Rich Paul, was telling Sixers officials earlier this week that Simmons wasn't mentally prepared to play yet.

SEE ALSO: Jason Kelce on Ben Simmons saga: 'Just play better,' then Philadelphia will 'love you'

Kelce said he has nothing personal against Simmons but called the situation "a travesty anyway you put it."

Simmons' teammate Tobias Harris shared his thoughts on the situation on Twitter.

"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 said.

Simmons declined an interview with Action News Thursday morning as he left his Moorestown, New Jersey home.

Action News was there as Simmons' car pulled into his driveway, returning from the 76ers practice facility in Camden. The house in Moorestown, as of this week, is on sale for $5 million.

His Center City condo at the Ritz-Carlton Residences was listed earlier this month with an asking price of $3.1 million.

After a tense off-season during which he asked to be traded, the 25-year-old point guard has missed pre-season games and practices.

The Sixers have withheld his most recent quarterly salary payment of $8.25 million.

SEE ALSO: 76ers 'stupid' for suspending Ben Simmons for only 1 game, Charles Barkley says

Simmons was suspended for the Sixers' victory over the New Orleans Pelicans after coach Rivers threw him out of Monday's practice for failing to sub into a drill.

The Sixers had hoped to see Simmons in the workout Thursday and have him go through shootaround Friday before their game against Brooklyn, ESPN sources said.

The Sixers meet the Nets Friday night at the Wells Fargo Center in their first home game of the season.

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ESPN contributed to this report.