Ben Simmons, once a cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers, has recently opened up about his experiences and feelings towards his former team and city. In a candid interview, Simmons reflected on his tenure in Philadelphia, stating, “I had a lot of fun there. It was time for me to go. When I did leave, it was good timing. Obviously, the injury and everything that was going on didn’t help. But I think it gave me a chance to really appreciate it. I’ll always have love for Philly.”
This sentiment is particularly poignant given the tumultuous circumstances surrounding his departure. Simmons faced significant challenges during his time with the 76ers, including injuries and mental health struggles. He has previously expressed feeling unsupported by the organization during these difficult periods, stating, “I was in such a bad place where I was like, f—, I’m trying to get here and you guys are, like, throwing all these other things at me to where you’re not helping. And that’s all I wanted, was help.”
Despite these challenges, Simmons has shown resilience and a desire to move forward. Now with the Brooklyn Nets, he has expressed excitement about returning to Philadelphia to face his former team, embracing the high-energy atmosphere and even the anticipated boos from fans. He remarked, “I love being in arenas where it’s loud and people are booing and all that stuff. So it comes with the game. It’s a part of it. And I love it.”
Simmons’ journey underscores the complexities athletes face, both on and off the court. His reflections highlight a nuanced perspective on his time in Philadelphia, acknowledging both the challenges and the fond memories. As he continues his career with the Nets, Simmons’ experiences serve as a reminder of the importance of support and understanding in professional sports.