Ben Simmons is no stranger to facing criticism and jeers from NBA fans, and his return to the Philadelphia 76ers only reignited those boos. However, it appears Simmons has adopted a different attitude towards the negativity. Despite once sitting out games due to mental health reasons, he now seems unfazed by the crowd’s disdain.
Reflecting on the hate and booing he received after the Brooklyn Nets defeated the host 76ers 136-121, Simmons, who has a tumultuous history with Philly fans, remarked, “It’s funny to me. I got grown men pissed off and yelling at me. It’s not that deep. But it’s sports, it comes with it, so I enjoy it.”
This marked Simmons’s second game since his return from a back injury. Despite playing 14 minutes and finishing with zero points on zero shots, he managed to contribute nine rebounds and five assists.
Throughout the game, fans relentlessly booed Simmons every time he touched the ball, intensifying with every turnover or missed pass. Even when Simmons fouled an opponent, they responded with sarcastic cheers.
His return to Philadelphia was far from welcoming, marking just his third game in the city since being traded to Brooklyn in February 2022 for James Harden. Thus far, Simmons has never received a warm reception upon his return to his former team.
