Philadelphia followers are recognized to carry a grudge. That character trait was on full show Saturday when previous good friend Ben Simmons made one other return to the Metropolis of Brotherly Love with the Brooklyn Nets.
Making his third journey to the Wells Fargo Middle since a 2022 commerce to the Nets, Simmons checked into Saturday’s recreation within the first quarter to a refrain of boos from the Philly devoted.
Even when Sixers followers have had two prior alternatives to serenade Simmons with disagreeable jeers, they have not forgotten the 4 disappointing seasons throughout his tenure with the franchise. Chosen No. 1 general within the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons by no means lived as much as expectations, in the end resulting in a take care of the Nets which despatched James Harden to Philly.
Again points which have plagued Simmons all through his NBA profession, conserving him out of motion for roughly three months this season. He returned to the ground on Jan. 29 towards the Utah Jazz earlier than once more displaying up on the Nets harm report and lacking the workforce’s following matchup towards the Phoenix Suns.
Regardless, Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn was thrilled to see Simmons return to the lineup, noting how he modified the “general scope” of the workforce after recording 10 factors, 11 assists and eight rebounds in 18 minutes for Brooklyn in a 147-114 win over the Jazz.
“It is an important probability for him to get again out together with his teammates,” Vaugh said before the game. “So, I am comfortable that he is enjoying and that he was ready to reply to remedy and be prepared for right this moment’s recreation.”