Ben Simmons back as a player in Philly, he’s coming soon. During the night from Tuesday to Wednesday, Benny will find his old garden. Inevitably, he’s no longer welcome and Philly fans will be happy to remind him as he drags his carcass out of the locker room. A timely reunion given the Aussie’s recent form.
“Ben Simmons from the wiiiiin center.” Yes, we dream it, it’s not forbidden. Imagine the dose of salt that would fall on the Wells Fargo Center if Benny were to bang a buzzer beater from the refreshment bar. We can already see him celebrating – to boos from stunned fans – as he steps onto the scorer’s table as Joel Embiid takes out the ax hidden in his sock. Since the announcement of the official schedule for the 2022-23 NBA season, on November 22nd it’s a date ticked, circled, bombed… in red by Sixers fans, simply, because it corresponds to the return of Ben Simmons to Philadelphia.
It’s not the first time that the city of brotherly love has seen its Australian favorite again, last March the Melbourne native had already seen the hatred caused by his presence in Pennsylvania: inglorious T-shirts, bird names, monstrous noise.. an already very hostile starter-pack, even if Benny continued to smile thanks to his team’s victory. This year the situation is not the same. Ben Simmons is back as a player and each of his possessions will have an above-average decibel dose. Well first he will have to make his way towards the entrance to the changing rooms and even there we risk not being disappointed. It is well known, Philly fans are not altar boysthey are passionate people who will give anything to spoil the evening of first choice 2016. The Aussie is aware of this and knows what to expect. In a press conference after the Nets win last night, the former member of the Trust the process he laughed when a reporter thought Sixers fans were leaving him alone: “In Philadelphia? Come on, I know what’s going to happen.”
Reporter: « Is there any chance in your mind that maybe enough time has passed that it won’t be so bad… »
Ben Simmons: “Philadelphia? Let’s go now. I know what’s coming! » 😂#NBATwitter pic.twitter.com/Hk1YIzYmOT
— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 (@_Talkin_NBA) November 21, 2022
Ben Simmons is not the last rainy day, ear plugs are recommended, as well as a decent performance if he doesn’t want to spend the worst night of his life against his former franchise. For this, the point forward he has to stay in line with his last three outings. Tonight against the Grizzlies, the lefty had his best game of the season with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists in 35 minutes of play.
Ben Simmons hit a season-high 22 PTS shooting 84.6% from the field to lead the league @BrooklynNets to victory! #RetiMondo
🔥 @BenSimmons25: 22 PTS (11-13 FGM) | 8 RIBs | 5AST pic.twitter.com/ELBiNYsZFw
—NBA (@NBA) November 21, 2022
It must be said that Benny and Philly’s relationship ended in a blood sausage. We remember the incredible telenovela from September 2021 to February 2022. Unexcused absences, hefty fines, a hard mind to decide… Benny took action and even trained with his phone in his pocket. In short, everything was in place to close a chapter of four seasons in the worst way. However, before the famous 2021 playoffs and game 7 against Atlanta, the story was still “salvable”. But the basketball gods – and Ben Simmons in particular – decided otherwise. Which brings us to this popular Tuesday-Wednesday night, when at 1:30 Philly fans will double down on their ploys to say hello to a former house member. Inevitably, it’s tempting, and inevitably something is going to happen. Because in addition to Benny and his detractors, we will also find Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Joel Embiid on the field. The Cameroonian is in great shape, no one doubts that he too will want to send a message to his former teammate. From a balance sheet point of view, the Nets show a small 8-9 while Philadelphia is tied 8-8… No need to paint a picture, a victory would be very good for both teams.
Ben Simmons will face the Sixers for the first time in Philadelphia. The Wells Fargo Center audience won’t give him a present and voodoo dolls bearing the Aussie’s image are sure to be snapped up these days. If the streets of Philadelphia are still quiet, it’s simply because the storm is brewing.
Sources: Talkin’ NBA, NBA.
