Simmons laughs off hostile Philly reception: 'I got grown men pissed off'

Ben Simmons was far from bothered by the chorus of boos he received from Philadelphia 76ers fans on Saturday.

"This is, what, my second, third time back? So it's a little different now," the Brooklyn Nets forward said postgame, per Erik Slater of ClutchPoints. "It's funny to me. I got grown men pissed off and yelling at me. ... It's fun. I enjoy that.

"It's not that deep. It's sports, but it comes with it, so I enjoy it."

As he checked into the contest for the first time at the seven-minute mark of the first quarter, 76ers fans welcomed their former star back with a rancorous reception.

Simmons didn't score or even attempt a shot but still finished with nine rebounds and five assists in 14 minutes off the bench. It was his third game back in Philadelphia since being shipped to Brooklyn two years ago in the blockbuster swap that sent James Harden the other way.

The 27-year-old spent six seasons with the 76ers, who drafted him first overall in 2016. However, the fan base soured on the former Rookie of the Year toward the end of his tenure, an animosity that only grew when he didn't play to begin the 2021-22 season, citing his mental health.

Though the team parted ways with the three-time All-Star months later, he didn't play for the Nets immediately following the trade, either, as a back issue sidelined him for the rest of the campaign.

Simmons, who missed nearly three months this season due to a nerve impingement in his lower back, has played in eight games for Brooklyn, averaging 6.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and seven assists. He won't play at home against the Golden State Warriors on Monday due to injury maintenance.