Watch: Ben Simmons issues hilarious response when asked about return to Philadelphia: "Come on now, I know what's coming!"
Ben Simmons is ready for the Philadelphia fans. The Brooklyn Nets star is seemingly aware of the hostile reception that he is likely to receive during his first ever game versus his former NBA team at Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media after the Brooklyn Nets' convincing 127-115 victory against the Memphis Grizzlies, Simmons was asked about the Philly fans by a reporter.
"Is there any chance in your mind that maybe enough time has passed that it won't be so bad..."
Simmons replied in good humor:
"In Philly? Come on now. I know what's coming!"
This will be Ben Simmons' first game in Philadelphia since he was traded by the franchise to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2022. Simmons did not play a single game in the 2021-22 season.
Heading into Tuesday's contest, Simmons can perhaps take confidence from his last two outings for Brooklyn. On Thursday, Simmons had his first double-double of the season (15 points, 13 rebounds) as the Nets won a close game (109-107) against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Simmons' latest game for the Nets saw him produce a season-high 22 points on 11-of-13 shooting (84.6%) from the field versus the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Simmons also started the game for Brooklyn and had eight rebounds and five assists in the contest.
Reporter: "Is there any chance in your mind that maybe enough time has passed that it won't be so bad..."
Ben Simmons: "In Philly? Come on now. I know what's coming!" 😂
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Charles Barkley apprehensive of Philadelphia reception for Ben Simmons
Despite Ben Simmons' latest remarks, former NBA player Charles Barkley is apprehensive of the kind of reaction that the Nets player is likely to receive in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Speaking on Inside The NBA last week, Barkley said:
"I do not feel good about that situation, next Tuesday. He's playing bad. They're going to let him have it. I hope nothing bad happens."
Barkley's co-host Kenny Smith interrupted him at this point to ask, "Bad in what way?" Barkley replied:
"Like a fan doing something crazy coz it's gonna be bad. He can't even rub it in their face, playing good. So, it's going to be a hostile environment... He's gotta play, but it's going to be bad. Philadelphia don't mess around."
Barkley's comments came before Simmons' strong showing in Brooklyn's last two games. At that point, Barkley, a 75th Anniversary team member, believed that the struggling Simmons needed a psychologist. He said:
"I think he probably needs a sports psychologist. And I'm not talking about mental, I'm talking about, like, he's frozen on the court. He's not even looking at the basket.
"I have never been on a team where guys had to scream at a guy to shoot the basketball. Ever. I've seen Kyrie yell at him. I've seen the coach yell at him. Mentally, he's blocked right now."
Ben Simmons is averaging 7.9 ppg and 27.7 mpg in 12 appearances for the Nets this season. That is the lowest scoring and minutes averages he has posted in his five-year NBA career. He has also come off the bench in five of those 12 games, which is the first time he has had to play as a reserve in his relatively short NBA career.