How Ben Simmons let down the Philadelphia 76ers fanbase

Ben Simmons is public enemy number one in Philadelphia at the moment, but problems existed well before last year’s post-season.

Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets. Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

The relationship between Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia Sixers fanbase sunk to an extraordinary low this year, but problems existed well before last year’s post-season.

Simmons’ icy stand-off with the Sixers following last year’s playoffs exit finally came to an end in February when he was traded to the Nets in exchange for James Harden.

His refusal to suit up for Philadelphia this season upset the franchise’s fans, with the 25-year-old copping a nasty reception when he stepped foot at the Wells Fargo Centre as his new team faced the 76ers last month.

Watch the 21/22 NBA Season with ESPN on Kayo. Live coverage every week plus every game of the NBA Finals. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Simmons was accosted by fans outside the Nets’ team hotel before tip-off, mocked and booed during a pre-game shootaround and targeted with a loud “f*** Ben Simmons” chant during the NBA clash.

But former teammate Joel Embiid understands their frustration.

During Simmons’ five active seasons at Philadelphia, Sixers fans grew frustrated with the Australian’s refusal to shoot jump shots.

On several occasions, Embiid claimed that it would have helped the team if Simmons was willing to shoot three-pointers.

“I think it was more so they didn‘t feel like they were heard,” the five-time NBA All-Star told The Old Man and the Three podcast.

”You know how much they wanted him to shoot the ball, how much they wanted him to be better in their own ways. He’s a great basketball player, he does so much stuff on the basketball court that people should pay attention (to), but they also felt like, from year one to whatever year that was for him, they didn’t see any improvement. I think that’s the way I kind of understand (it). Because even when you look back at all the years, like, what was the biggest thing they wanted him to do? Shoot 3s or free throws or whatever that was – shooting in general.

“I think they just felt like it had been so long and there was no changes. I think that‘s what kind of started the whole thing about everybody being mad and all that stuff. But I felt like – I think he embraced them. I don’t know if they felt like it was genuine or whatever. But I feel like he embraced them.”

Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets. Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

Simmons is yet to play for the Nets since his trade, sidelined by lingering back issues.

“Ben Simmons has resumed light on-court workouts sources tell me,” The Athletic’s Shams Charania said on Saturday morning AEDT.

“The hope remains that he will be able to ramp up for a potential return in time for the playoffs. The Nets and Simmons have worked together on managing his back issues which flared up when he was previously aiming for a mid-March return, and now with the Nets jocking for playoff positions in the Eastern Conference, a Simmons return makes the team’s ceiling even greater for potentially deeper run.”

However, The Athletic’s Joe Vardon reported that Simmons is “not close” to a return and could still miss the entire postseason.