Inside The Nets

Ben Simmons described as "the one that got away" by ex-teammate Joel Embiid

Embiid believes that the 76ers made a mistake by dumping Simmons to Brooklyn.

Peter Sunjic

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Behind Ben Simmons' new beginnings with the Brooklyn Nets is a massive question mark in his past with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Wearing a Sixers jersey, Simmons was once perceived as a force to be reckoned with, a walking machine who could do it all on both ends of the floor. He and Joel Embiid were viewed as the two franchise cornerstones who got that bold duty of carrying Philadelphia atop.

But Ben's partnership with Philadelphia collapsed after a disappointing playoff run last 2021-22. The following season, both sides hurled conflicting jabs, which ultimately resulted in a bitter divorce that saw the Australian star landing in Brooklyn.

"The one that got away"

Over a season has passed, Ben has been limited by back issues and is continuing his gradual climb back to his old form. Meanwhile, the Sixers remain a contender, with Embiid finally achieving MVP status.

While he and Simmons are now on separate pathways, Embiid still has nothing but love for his former teammate.

"I've always been one of those people that didn't believe [Simmons] actually needed a jumper, like he was so good, he's just a monster…. almost as fast as you [Maxey].... freaking monster, strong, I never actually believed he needed a jumper," Embiid said in Tyrese Maxey's "Maxey on the Mic" podcast. "I just believed that, you know, if he could find a way to get his free throws to 75-80%, that would have changed everything."

Even though the exit generally left a bad taste, Embiid still believes that Simmons leaving has been one of the franchise's lopsided mistakes.

"I think that's the perfect match… I think that's the one that got away," Embiid noted. "I just hate the fact that the way things happened."

A new chapter

Embiid's words about Ben are interesting. But at the end of the day, whatever happened has happened.

For now, the swingman is in his recovery process and can only help the Nets anew once he finally revives that All-Star identity that he enjoyed in Philadelphia.

Simmons, who is reportedly at the next step of his back rehab, is averaging 6.5 points, 6.7 assists, and 10.8 rebounds and has shown some flashes of his old self early in the season. 

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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