Ben Simmons opens up: 'I feel like I'm still part of Philadelphia' / News - Basketnews.com

Ben Simmons feels thankful for the city of Philadelphia for his experience there and doesn't feel any hate towards it despite it being the narrative.

Credit: AP Photo/Matt Slocum - Scanpix Credit AP Photo/Matt Slocum - Scanpix

After four years with the club, Ben Simmons famously left the Philadelphia 76ers last season for the Brooklyn Nets after sitting out the first part of the 2021-22 season for various reasons.

Ben Simmons

Position:SF, PFAge:26Height:208 cmWeight:104 kgBirth place:AustraliaProfileNewsStatistics

The Australian player sat down on The Old Man and The Three podcast with JJ Redick to talk about various subjects, one of which was his infamous transfer.

The show released a teaser clip where Simmons talks about the city of Philadelphia and what he feels about it.

"People in Philly just want to have something to say about anything. Literally everything. I post a picture of a car, I have reporters saying that I should be in the gym. Come on, man," Simmons told.

"For sure, Philly is obviously a sports city, and my experience playing there was incredible. For the most part, it was incredible. I had a great time, the fans are unbelievable," he continued. "I own some real estate in Philadelphia still. I feel like I'm a part of Philly still."

The 2.11-meter point guard is now in Brooklyn, a place with an entirely different atmosphere and fan culture.

"It's just unique. Being in Brooklyn is completely different, this is a different experience for me. I value the time I did spend in Philly because I was able to learn and grow in that city," the player explained.

"I have friends for life there, my brother lives there, I have family there. Philly is great. I think people have a thought that I think I hate it," he concluded.

Simmons did not play a single game in the 2021-22 NBA season neither for the 76ers nor the Nets. Throughout his career, he's been averaging 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists in 34 minutes of play.

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