Vaughn: Simmons' return to hostile Philly crowd may help him regain form
For Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn, Ben Simmons' on-court return to Philadelphia on Tuesday could represent a turning point in his regaining his old form.
"It's probably the most hostile environment he's probably ever going to be in," Vaughn said, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne. "And to get over this hurdle would be monumental to where he's at right now and getting back to the form that he wants to get back to."
After a disappointing showing in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals, a trade request, and a holdout, the Philadelphia 76ers sent Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster move for former MVP James Harden.
Simmons made his first return to Philadelphia as a Net in March but was inactive due to back soreness.
The three-time All-Star has recently shown shades of his pre-injury play since missing Brooklyn's Nov. 13 contest against the Los Angeles Lakers with a knee ailment. In the three games since, Simmons is averaging 16 points, 8.6 rebounds, and five assists.
"There's been moments where I've felt quick, fast, strong," Simmons said. "But it's like a roller coaster. It's up and down. And it's on me. I have to stay with it, be consistent, and just push through."
Simmons played four seasons with the 76ers, averaging 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 1.7 steals. The LSU product won Rookie of the Year in 2018 and made the All-NBA third team in 2020.
Simmons' former co-star, Joel Embiid, will miss the tilt after suffering a foot sprain Saturday.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.