Ben Simmons wasn’t on the floor during the Sixers’ season-opening massacre of the Pelicans, but that didn’t stop fans from trolling him.
While Philadelphia’s estranged point guard was serving his one-game suspension — handed down earlier this week when he reportedly refused to participate in team drills at practice — the crowd at Smoothie King center chanted “Where’s Ben Simmons?” throughout the game.
The chants from the New Orleans faithful became even louder when Sixers players stepped up to the free-throw line, where Simmons shot historically poor in the 2021 playoffs (34.2 percent overall).
At one point, Sixers center Joel Embiid was met at the free-throw line with sarcastic chants from fans yelling, “We want Simmons.”
The disdain for Simmons is seemingly strong everywhere. Back in Philadelphia, “F–k you Simmons” chants roared during the Flyers’ 6-3 win over Bruins Wednesday night.
TNT’s NHL broadcasters at Wells Fargo Center even trolled Simmons
about practice during the game.
Despite Simmons’ absence in the season opener, Philadelphia ran away with a 117-97 win over New Orleans.
Tyrese Maxey, who replaced Simmons at point guard, recorded 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists in a solid performance.
Embiid, who said Tuesday that he no longer cares about Simmons amid the saga in Philadelphia, had himself a night. He put up 22 points, six rebounds and five assists in just 26 minutes, before taking the fourth quarter off as the 76ers cruised to a 1-0 start.
When the Sixers touched down in New Orleans for Wednesday’s matchup, the team reportedly had a group dinner to discuss the practice dramatics that led to Simmons’ suspension.
Simmons returned to Philadelphia last week after a months-long holdout against the team that caused him to miss the entire preseason. The disgruntled 25-year-old made it clear to the Sixers that he wants a trade.
The Sixers host the Nets on Friday. It’s unclear if Simmons will play, though expect his name to ring out in the stands either way.