After 470 days, Ben Simmons made his court debut on Tuesday as he played his first preseason game for the Brooklyn Nets against his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Nets playmaker had six points, five assists, four rebounds, and a steal in 19 minutes of action at the Barclays Center in New York before taking a break in the second half of a 127-108 defeat.
He was jeered by 76ers supporters when he missed a few free throws, but overall he was glad to be back on the court after sitting out the entire 2021–22 season due to contract issues with the 76ers that led to his trade to the Nets, a back injury that required postseason surgery, and mental health issues, some of which were brought on by the team's 2021 playoff loss to Atlanta.
In his debut game for the Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons scored six points in a loss to his former team, the 76ers.
Durant had 13 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Irving had nine points, four assists, and 19 minutes of playing time. It was the first time the superstars and 26-year-old Simmons had officially played together.
Joel Embiid, who had a contentious relationship with Simmons when they were partnered as teammates, and James Harden, a superstar, were both benched by the 76ers.
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