Brooklyn, NY – Minutes ago, number one overall pick Ben Simmons met with GM Bryan Colangelo in a green room after being drafted by the organization and told the executive that he would not be accepting the 76ers contract because he “wasn’t yet ready for greatness.”

Simmons and Colangelo discussed the 19-year-old Australian’s plan for his life for several minutes. When the two left the green room, they reportedly settled on a handshake before parting ways.

The 6-foot-10-inch power forward out of LSU met with throngs of media after his brief meeting with Colangelo and explained his decision for turning the 76ers down.

“I’m only 19-years-old, what do I know about being a professional? Sure, the money would be nice, but I don’t feel as if I’m mature enough to be a member of the 76ers roster just yet. I must find my own way if I wish to be successful,” he said.

Simmons then made his second groundbreaking announcement of the night, noting that he would begin work in the 76ers season ticket sales office this Monday and would make his way up the corporate ladder before playing basketball professionally.

“I’ve never been one to take the easy way out. I’ll start out on the lowest rung, cold-calling fans on our mailing list to see if they’d be interested in purchasing season ticket packages for next season. In a year or two if I’ve met all of my administrator’s sales goals, I’ll hopefully be promoted to a more creative position in the media relations department,” Simmons said.

When asked when he could see himself playing a game for the 76ers, Simmons said he would likely don a uniform in 2028 when he was 31-years-old after years of working behind the scenes in the 76ers front offices.

“It will feel good to make my own way in the organization. I can’t wait to dig into those excel spreadsheets and crunch some numbers. I hear every Friday is wacky tie day in the office as well, should be a blast,” Simmons said.

Simmons said he would likely not have much time to work out or improve his game with so much paperwork hanging over him, but once he reached his corporate goals he would be able to focus on basketball again.

At press time, Colangelo said he expected Simmons to be at the office on Monday at 8 a.m. sharp to fill out several forms from HR and to view the mandatory sexual harassment video each new employee must see before beginning their careers with the organization.