Ben Simmons can expect the same reception he usually gets when the Nets travel to Philadelphia tonight, but it’s unlikely to affect him, writes Dan Martin of The New York Post. Simmons, who called the hostile reaction “funny” during his last trip to Philly in February, is finally healthy and contributing on a regular basis, Martin notes. He had 10 points and nine rebounds in Tuesday’s win over Charlotte, which marked the first time this season he has been available for three straight games.
“He likes playing and he’s a competitor,’’ Cam Thomas said of Simmons. “He likes that kind of atmosphere. I’m sure he’ll be ready to go and have an impact and do everything for us on the court.”
There has been speculation that Simmons might be moved by the trade deadline because of his expiring $40.3MM contract. However, the Nets have been better than expected with a 6-9 record that has them in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. If they decide to pursue a postseason spot ahead of a high draft pick, Simmons could play an important role in helping them win.
“It’s just his presence in that last game, his physicality, his engagement,’’ coach Jordi Fernandez said. “I was very excited to see that. I told him that because he impacted the rest of the group. It’s that energy of, ‘I want to play with him because he’s gonna give me the ball. He’s gonna be physical on defense.’”
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- After missing three games with a back strain, Nets center Nic Claxton plans to return tonight, according to Brian Lewis of the New York Post (Twitter link). Claxton told reporters that he’s been experiencing pain in his back since the offseason, and it might be a while before he’s fully healthy.
- Scottie Barnes said he “felt great” Thursday night as he returned to the Raptors‘ lineup after missing 11 games with an orbital bone fracture, per Michael Grange of Sportsnet. Grange points out that Barnes replaced Davion Mitchell in the starting lineup and might have the skills to be successful as an oversized point guard even when Immanuel Quickley returns from his injury. “The way he shares the ball, the way he’s playing unselfishly — I don’t want Scottie Barnes to be anything outside of Scottie Barnes,” coach Darko Rajakovic said. “I just need him to be the best version of himself. And when he’s that, he’s really raising the people around him to another level. He’s making everybody around him better.”
- Sixers center Joel Embiid attended this morning’s shootaround but wasn’t an active participant, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Embiid is listed as questionable due to the left knee injury management that has affected his availability since the start of the season.
Why would Philly fans boo Simmons? He forced his way out of town while he still had value, but just before it completely cratered and he became an untradeable albatross. What did they want him to stay and become worthless in trade and on the court for them?
Very clearly aren’t a Sixers fan if you think this.
Simmons was the right pick at the time. Hard to project laziness or fake injuries. But they did get something of value when they traded him. If he was on a max deal the year Jimmy went to Miami… they could have traded him then at peak value. But he was on 8-9m and that’s too low for matching.
Ironically… his career metrics are still better than Brown and Ingrams. But he is a bonafide Bum
Part of that is defense, and the amount of credit that’s given for rebounding, which is outsized compared to the actual impact. Even at this point in his career, Simmons is a very good defender. Ingram can’t defend and Brown is just above-average for a wing, relative to peak Simmons, who was a top-10 defensive player in the NBA.
Don’t think the injury is fake. Played-up, sure. But he definitely has had moments where he looked really pained and uncomfortable on the court the past few years.
Correct, you can’t just walk in off the street, ask for and receive an operation on your back. Didn’t big Ben have something fused? How about concentrating on who’s actually on the 76ers roster? Speaking of made up injuries, lol.
There’s this guy in Philly averages round 30 per getting half those points from the line. Get a decent seed yet keep falling short with only one common denominator. Apparently he’s a former MVP. Deals with a double about as good as a 12yr old playing 16yr olds. Disappears come playoff time, has more turnovers in clutch time than points. How about concentrating on just getting the ‘W’?
I’ve never really liked Simmons but It’s mainly because he’s too stubborn and arrogant to work on other aspects of his game. He’s had three surgeries so his injuries aren’t fak. You don’t become a top defensive player in the NBA by being lazy, that’s hard work. He’s also rehabbed his way back into playing shape several times, so no lazy doesn’t fit.
Fake injuries is crazy. I hate when weird dudes make me defend players I dont even like because thats how unreasonable they sound.
Considering the Sixers’ record, the fans should worry about their team before Ben Simmons lol