Shaquille O’Neal complimented Brooklyn Nets star, Ben Simmons before his return to Philadelphia. While it cannot be called heaps of praises, the NBA legend sure was impressed by Simmons’ recent performances. In the latest episode of ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq,’ O’Neal and his co-hosts talked about the Nets facing the Philadelphia 76ers. Specifically, Simmons’ return to Philly.

Recalling the circumstances under which Simmons left Philly, Nischelle Turner asked Shaquille O’Neal if he thought the ‘hurt’ that the Sixers fans previously felt had diminished with time. Shaq replied that he believed that there were no hard feelings between the Sixers and Simmons as both teams were not at their full strength.

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However, Shaq was keen to see Simmons’ performance against the Philadelphia 76ers. O’Neal was unsure how Simmons would perform under the scrutiny of Sixers fans, however, he stated the Nets star had been playing well in the last few games.

Shaquille O’Neal about the pressure on Simmons

Before the Nets faced the Sixers on November 22 at the Fargo Wells Center, Shaquille O’Neal talked about the game. He stated that if he was the coach, he would tell Ben Simmons that he would receive the ball five straight times immediately after the game starts and he should shoot the ball every single time. If Simmons passes up the shot, he would pull him out of the game. He then talked about the unavailability of stars and the pressure on Simmons.

“It’s not really the full game. So when they’re both at full strength back in Philly, then he’ll be a little bit more pressure would be on him but hopefully he does well tonight,” said Shaq.

Superstars James Harden and Joel Embiid were injured and unavailable for the game against the Nets. On the other hand, Brooklyn Nets?superstar Kyrie Irving had just returned to the team after being suspended. Irving missed a total of eight games before finally joining the Nets in their previous game.

Despite having to play without Harden and Embiid, the Sixers beat the Nets 115-106. Tobias Harris led the team by scoring 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. Teammate, De’Anthony Melton added 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists.

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Irving scored 23 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 two assists. In his return to Philly, Simmons had an all-around performance with 11 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, and 3 blocks. Despite the loss, Simmons would be hoping to continue his good run.

Do you think Ben Simmons would be back to his best this season? Let us know in the comments.