Former 76ers All-Star Ben Simmons Expects Hostile Return To Philadelphia

For the first time since being traded to the Brooklyn, Ben Simmons will return to Philadelphia on Tuesday, when his Nets face his former team, the 76ers.

Ahead of the most highly-anticipated meetings of the season, the three-time NBA All-Star and former Rookie of The Year is already expecting a less-than-welcome return to The City of Brotherly Love.

Following the Nets' 127-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday, Simmons was asked by one of the reporters if there was a chance that his return to Philadelphia wouldn't be "as bad" since quite some time had already passed.

Obviously amused by the question, Simmons flashed a sly grin before responding.

"In Philly? Come on, now. I know what's coming."

Given that fans in Philadelphia are known to be some of the most passionate - for better or worse - it's clear that Simmons knows what he's in for once he hits the floor at the Wells Fargo Center.

The drama between Simmons and the Sixers was one of the most talked-about storylines heading into the 2021-2022 NBA season.

After struggling mightily in the previous season's playoffs, Simmons was the target of criticism from fans and even from members of the Sixers organization, including head coach Doc Rivers. As a result, the relationship between Simmons and the Sixers appeared to have been strained, and the 2016 first overall pick asked for a trade from the franchise that drafted him.

Simmons missed the Sixers' training camp, Media Day, and ultimately the first half of the season.

Finally, Simmons and the Sixers went their separate ways when he was packaged in a deal that sent him to Brooklyn in return for former league MVP James Harden.

Simmons ended up missing the entire 2021-2022 NBA season, but made his on-court return in the Nets' 2022-2023 season opener.

So far, Simmons is averaging 7.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists for the Nets in 12 games this season.

Sunday's win against the Grizzlies marked Simmons' best game in a Nets uniform, as he recorded 22 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists on 84.6% shooting.

With a matchup against his former team next, this seems to be the perfect time for Simmons to find his groove.