Ben Simmons reached Joel Embiid to mend fences

Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons (Image Credit: Getty Images)

Since joining the Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons has been struggling with injuries and lackluster performances that often brought him under criticism from NBA fans. Nevertheless, this was not the case when Simmons was with the Philadelphia 76ers, forming a superb pair with Joel Embiid.

However, their partnership ended on a bitter note following a disappointing playoff loss to the Atlanta Hawks. The fallout was highly publicized. Since then, their paths have diverged, and Embiid remains the cornerstone of the 76ers while Simmons seeks to revitalize his career in Brooklyn.

Despite the acrimonious end to their partnership, it appears Simmons has no interest in holding on to past grievances. According to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, Simmons took a step toward reconciliation last summer by reaching out to the 2023 NBA MVP and other former teammates.

“So much has gone wrong for Simmons and his former team in the years they’ve been apart that Simmons’ presence back in Philadelphia barely registered this time. He’d even reached out to Embiid and others last summer, league sources said, hoping to mend fences,” Shelbourne wrote.

Ben Simmons Shines As Nets Secure Key Win Over Suns

The Brooklyn Nets may have stumbled out of the gate this season, but Wednesday night’s victory over the Phoenix Suns offered a glimmer of hope. The Nets secured a 127-117 win in Arizona with a resurgent performance from Ben Simmons.

Simmons delivered one of his best games of the season, finishing with 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists while shooting 7-for-8 from the field. It was a breakout moment for Simmons, whose previous season high was 10 points. Now in his fourth season with the Nets, Simmons has struggled to regain his All-Star form, averaging just 5.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game this season.

The victory improved the Nets’ record to 9-10, providing much-needed momentum as they look to climb up the Eastern Conference standings. The Nets’ next challenge comes on Friday when they host the Orlando Magic.