Sport Joel Embiid tells 76ers fans to support Ben Simmons before home opener: 'He's still our brother'

The Friday meeting between Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and the rest of the Philadelphia 76ers may have been the turning point for the organization. Embiid expressed support for Simmons prior to Friday's home opener, telling fans to stand by Simmons.

Embiid got on the microphone before the game and said of Simmons, "He's still our brother."

Prior to his pre-game speech, Embiid said the meeting with Simmons, "Helped us as a team."

Ben Simmons wants to be treated like the superstar he's not, and for too long the Sixers gave him his way

Simmons is reportedly moving toward returning to Sixers camp, but he can't erase the way he's handled this holdout On Oct. 1, the Sixers put $8.25 million of the $33M Simmons is due to make for the 2021-22 season into an escrow account, and from that account they are deducting, per ESPN, roughly $360,000 for every game, preseason or regular season, that Simmons misses.

That's quite the turnaround from Embiid, who appeared frustrated with Simmons as recently as Tuesday. Simmons was kicked out of practice that day after reportedly refusing to enter a drill. Simmons was suspended for a game for his actions, and missed the team's season opener.

Embiid was also critical of Simmons following the team's loss to the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs last season. Embiid criticized Simmons for passing up easy shots and missing free throws. Those comments may have fueled Simmons' offseason frustration with the organization.

Ben Simmons' suspension, explained: What 76ers star did at practice and what could happen next

The 76ers want Ben Simmons to play for them. He doesn't seem all that interested in suiting up. So, what comes next in this strange saga? What did Ben Simmons do at the 76ers' practice? Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers kicked Simmons out of Tuesday's practice because of a "refusal to participate in the next stage of the session," according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, who noted that Simmons has not been consistently engaged since his return to the team. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that Rivers asked Simmons to join a defensive drill multiple times, but Simmons refused to participate.

Ben Simmons told team he's not ready to play in games

With frustrations running high, Simmons met with Embiid, Rivers and the rest of the 76ers on Friday morning. He reportedly told the team he was "not mentally ready" to play in games yet.

Embiid is not the only player who expressed support for Simmons following that meeting. Tobias Harris said the team will respect Simmons' privacy for now, and embrace him when he's ready to come back.

Simmons previously faced fines after not reporting to the team on time and getting suspended for the team's season opener. It's unclear whether the 76ers will — or can — continue to fine Simmons as he prepares to get himself ready to play again.

If Friday's comments are any indication, Simmons' teammates are supportive of Simmons taking care of his mental health before playing in games.

© Provided by Yahoo! Sports Joel Embiid wants 76ers fans to embrace Ben Simmons again. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)