The trade deadline deal between the 76ers and the Nets was a blockbuster that shook the NBA community. As Harden and Millsap parted ways with the Nets, the franchise received Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two draft picks in return.
Moreover, many in the NBA community felt that the Nets had actually won the trade despite Simmons not having played a single game this season. They believe it’s due to his role as playmaker, rebounder, and defender, which fits in well alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
This has caused Nets fans to get excited, especially since Simmons is a highly talented player. However, his debut seems to be delayed. Simmons will be absent from the matchup between the Sixers and the Nets, as revealed by Adrian Wojnarowski. This has put fans on Twitter in a frenzy.
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Fans React to Ben Simmons’ News
As revealed by Adrian Wojnarowski, Simmons will not feature in the highly anticipated 76ers–Nets matchup. This has caused several fans to troll the former superstar with digs at his confidence.
#chicken @BenSimmons25 .. still scared to death of @sixers fans !? 🤣 https://t.co/sIsOk7UmoV
— Todd A. Jobson, Sr (@ToddJobson) March 7, 2022
The biggest baby in NBA history! https://t.co/Q7qH9otvm1
— Max U (@MaxU38365) March 7, 2022
Prolly scared #Sixers #NBA https://t.co/kXpAP1eTOp
— Chase Moyer (@ChaseMoyer34) March 6, 2022
Weak af https://t.co/nAdekTd1kH
— Big 🖐🏾🏃🏾♂️ (@detapps84) March 6, 2022
Furthermore, several fans even trolled the Brooklyn Nets for making the trade. They mentioned that Sixers fans expected Simmons not to play and even added that their team won the trade.
Nets and Wizards trading for players that don’t play pic.twitter.com/dKP59BWvUO
— FlukaMagic (@FlukaMagic) March 6, 2022
Sixers won the trade https://t.co/P5z12okd5N
— Joel 🇲🇽🇸🇻 (@Jvballer92) March 7, 2022
Source: Every single Philadelphia 76er fan the moment the trade was finalized. https://t.co/lTSlrdLciw
— Reverend Paul Revere (@RevPaulRevere) March 6, 2022
Clearly, it looks like Philly fans have no regret. Taking into consideration Simmons’ performance in the 2021 playoffs, the 76ers fanbase believes that they are better off with Harden.
Read More: Fans Destroy Ben Simmons as 21-Year-Old 76ers Star’s James Harden Impression Breaks the Internet
This is especially true since they feel that Simmons lacks confidence. Furthermore, Nets fans will expect Simmons to be back as soon as possible, especially since they are 9th in the East. They will hope for Simmons to take the league by storm when he returns.
In Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, several fans appear to be trolling Simmons for his absence in the upcoming matchup. Furthermore, they have even taken digs at his confidence. However, Nets fans will hope that Simmons is in a confident state of mind to play out the season after his return.
Although his absence on March 10th will be difficult for the Nets to cope with, the franchise hopes that his comeback sparks a flame that carries this team forward.
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There is no doubt about Simmons’ talent, but the timeline is a major concern. Irrespective of his confidence to score, the Nets will need him to at least play solid defense. That is, in fact, his strong suit.
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When healthy, Simmons can guard the opposition’s best player and get crucial defensive stops. This, in turn, will help the team score easily. Hence, there is a lot riding on Simmons’ shoulders and the Nets fanbase will expect him to deliver.