When Ben Simmons was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, the franchise believed they had found a new star to center the team around. In fact, Simmons and Embiid together turned the franchise into a powerhouse. However, they were never able to win the title.

The tipping point was the 2021 playoffs. Simmons’ lack of confidence during the playoffs, coupled with other reasons, led to him wanting a change in scenery. And so on the trade deadline day of the 2021-22 season, Simmons left to join the Nets. Hence, the recent matchup between the Nets and 76ers was highly anticipated by fans.

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In light of Simmons’ return to the arena, NBA legend Charles Barkley shed light on the true intention of the 76ers fans’ anticipation.

Charles Barkley on the 76ers Fans’ Hate for Ben Simmons

While the crew on ‘NBA on TNT’ were discussing Simmons’ decision to join the Nets on the bench in the game against the Sixers, Barkley had an interesting point to say regarding the true intention of 76ers fans. He responded to Kenny Smith, who mentioned that the fans were actually there to witness the strength of their team and send a message to the Brooklyn Nets.

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“No, that’s not right. Them fans there for hatred! They don’t care about this game at all!” exclaimed Barkley.

“They’re there for one reason. They’re not paying $4,000 for those damn regular-season games!” he added.

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Clearly, Barkley felt that the fans were at the arena simply to hate on Simmons. In fact, Simmons did receive booing and heckling from the fans. Regardless of the booing, Simmons seemed undeterred. In fact, he even celebrated with his team that included former 76ers, such as Seth Curry and Andre Drummond. It was an emphatic win for Brooklyn who took the game by storm.

However, the Sixers’ fans do want to see their team win too. Maybe not in this game, but in the long run, they want to see their team lift the title. After all, that is the reason they traded for James Harden. However, only time has the answer to whether Ben Simmons or the 76ers will prevail.