‘Only One Ball’ – 76ers’ Ben Simmons Takes a Shot at Brooklyn Nets, Says The 76ers Are Targeting the Lakers

Ben Simmons is having a fantastic season this year. The former Rookie of the Year has been a real highlight for the Philadelphia 76ers and is a genuine front-runner to be the Defensive Player of the Year. However, it appears that Ben Simmons has his eyes on only one team going into the NBA playoffs, and it isn’t the other team in their conference.

Simmons takes aim at Brooklyn Nets

Philadelphia 76ers guard Ben Simmons spoke after the team’s win over the Dallas Mavericks. He noted that the 76ers are targeting the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs this year. Because they are the defending champions, the Lakers are their prime target going into the season. He then appeared to take a shot at the Brooklyn Nets, noting that he still doubts their defense and their ability to share the ball.

Simmons said, “We’re going for the past champs, the Lakers. They were the ones who won a championship, so you got to give the respect to them. Obviously, Brooklyn has a lot of talent. But at the end of the day, there’s only one ball and you gotta play defense too.”

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These comments from Simmons come as no surprise. The Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers are the two favorites in the Eastern Conference currently, with both teams constantly going back and forth between the first and second seed. Therefore, there will be some animosity and verbal exchange ahead of their inevitable clash in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Ben Simmons: Favorite for DPOY?

For the season, Simmons has been putting up great numbers so far. He is currently averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists for the season, with a steal a game. Because of these numbers, Ben Simmons earned an All-Star nomination this season, the third of his career. Furthermore, his numbers have helped the Philadelphia 76ers achieve such a high seed in a much more competitive Eastern Conference this year.

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Can Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers win the NBA championship this year? The 76ers have been playing some excellent basketball this year. Furthermore, they have been bolstered by the return of Joel Embiid from his knee injury. If Simmons and Embiid are healthy, the 76ers stand a very good chance to win an NBA title, but they will have to overcome the Brooklyn Nets.