“F**k, I can’t wait to go there, yeah” – Ben Simmons expresses excitement over playing against his former team, says he’s ready for a different experience and will prove everyone wrong
Even though Ben Simmons' stint with the Philadelphia 76ers ended roughly, the three-time All-Star is eager to return to Philly despite the expected hostility.
In an interview with ESPN's Nick Friedell, Simmons said he cannot wait to play against his former team:
"F--k, I can't wait to go there, yeah. But for me, everything's an experience and a learning situation. So, for me, I'm able to learn something that I've never been through before.
"I've never been traded and played against a team that I got traded from. Kev has, Ky has, a lot of guys have, but I've never been in that situation so, you have to go through it. Ky went back to Boston, and he didn't play well, but it's a lot. We're people, too. We want to go out there and prove everyone wrong."
Simmons decided not to play for the Sixers after the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals. Fans were irate with the Aussie for his performances in their 4-3 loss against the Atlanta Hawks.
With Simmons feeling attacked and claiming not to have the backing of the organization, he chose to leave. During the trade deadline, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets alongside Seth Curry for James Harden.
Although Simmons has not played against Philly since he left the team, he traveled with the Nets when they last met. He was booed at every opportunity even as he did not suit up. Philly fans will be looking to to rattle him and make him uncomfortable throughout the game again when the two teams meet this year.
The Nets will face off against the 76ers four times this season. Their first two meetings will be in Philly on November 22, 2022 and January 25, 2023.
Ben Simmons says it feels like home in Brooklyn
Simmons feels accepted in Brooklyn and said he has the support of everyone in the franchise. In the same interview with Friedell, Ben Simmons said:
"Definitely. I got support from all these guys, the coaching staff, the organization, so it's up to me to go out there to do my job now and work. It feels like home. It feels normal to be here and come to work."
Given the type of player he is, he could change the dynamics of the Nets' style of play on both ends of the floor. He has shown great chemistry with his new teammates in preseason and has helped the team push the pace when required.
Full court Ben Simmons passes are gonna be fun this year. https://t.co/vK1Odputuf
The Nets start their regular season on Oct. 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans, and everyone will be anxious to see how Ben Simmons performs when the going gets tough.