Kevin Durant talks Ben Simmons’ return to Philadelphia
[ad_1]
Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant knows about playing in front of angry fans. Durant received a harsh reception the first time he played against the Oklahoma City Thunder after joining the Golden State Warriors.
[Join the Yahoo Fantasy Tourney Pick’Em $25K Best Bracket Contest]
The Ben Simmons situation is different, but Durant can provide some insight into what Simmons can expect when he returns to Philadelphia on Thursday.
Durant spoke about that scenario Tuesday, saying Simmons will likely hear “personal attacks” from fans during Thursday’s game.
Durant added he has not given Simmons advice on how to deal with that situation.
“Absolutely not. That’s one of those things he’s going to have to experience for himself. I can’t go over there. Nobody is going to hold his hand.
“I’m sure there’s going to be some personal attacks. There’s going to be some words that may trigger you, personally, but that’s just how fans are, they want to get under our skin. They want to let their voices be heard. I think part of the experience of coming to an NBA game is to heckle. Some people don’t even enjoy basketball … their lives are so s***** they get to just aim it at other people.”
Simmons will not play in Thursday’s game due to a back injury. He will, however, be present for the contest and will sit on the Nets’ bench.
Ben Simmons feuded with 76ers before exit
Simmons should expect a hostile reception from 76ers fans upon his return to Philadelphia. He left the team on bad terms. Simmons spent the offseason avoiding calls and meetings with teammates and 76ers brass. He refused to play in games with the 76ers early in the season, leading to the team fining Simmons millions. Simmons eventually missed time with a back injury. Simmons also told the 76ers he was not “mentally ready to play” for the team.
Simmons did not play a single game with the 76ers during the 2021-22 NBA season. He was traded to the Nets for James Harden in February. Simmons expressed excitement upon joining the Nets,…
[ad_2]
Source : yahoo
