Charles Barkley fears for Ben Simmons in his NBA return to Philadelphia subsequent week however says the Brooklyn recruit should face the music.
The Australian loved his brightest moments since coming back from a full season out with psychological well being and again points, logging his first double-digit scoring effort within the NBA in additional than 500 days towards Sacramento on Wednesday (AEDT).
As luck would have it, his 20-minute efficiency as a back-up centre got here in one of many Nets’ ugliest video games of an eventful season, overwhelmed 153-121 by the rampant Kings.
Terence Davis (31 factors on seven-of-10 three pointers) had a profession evening for the Kings whereas six of his teammates scored no less than 12 factors.
But the Nets had been just one level worse than the Kings with Simmons (11 factors on five-of-seven capturing, 5 rebounds, three assists) on court docket in his return from a one-game absence with knee soreness.
There was an additional pop in his step and a willingness to get to the ring that had been lacking thus far this season.
But Simmons stays a shell of the participant he was on arrival in Philadelphia as 2016’s No.1 draft decide, and former 76ers nice Barkley is worried.
“I do not feel good about that situation; he’s playing bad, they’re going to let him have it,” he mentioned on TNT whereas additionally questioning the logic in utilizing Simmons as a back-up centre on the bench.
Simmons was traded to Brooklyn late final season after an unpleasant stand-off with the 76ers adopted their limp finals exit.
Originally touted as a key to the franchise’s hopes of a title alongside Joel Embiid, the Australian will return subsequent Wednesday as public enemy No.1 within the sports-mad metropolis.
“I hope nothing bad happens, like a fan doing something crazy,” Barkley mentioned.
“He can’t even rub it in their face (by) playing good.
“He’s obtained to play (slightly than be rested), however it should be dangerous – Philadelphia do not fiddle.”
Meanwhile, Dyson Daniels’ reputation as an elite defender was furthered in a 17-minute stint in New Orleans’ 113-102 defeat of Memphis, tallying nine rebounds and adding three points, along with an assist, a block and a steal
Ja Morant was back to his enthralling best with a game-high 36 points for Memphis after missing a game with an ankle injury.
But CJ McCollum scored 30 points and Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr added 19 each as the host New Orleans Pelicans won despite the absence of Zion Williamson.
Elsewhere, Portland took high spot within the west with a seven-point defeat of San Antonio, the Knicks beat Utah, and Dallas held on for a 103-101 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers after blowing a 25-point lead.
