Ben Simmons was stationed close to a glass of wine — and didn’t appear to complain — because the Celtics blew out his former staff in Sunday’s Recreation 7.
The Nets star, injured or inefficient for a lot of the 2022-23 season, posted a photograph on his Instagram story with what gave the impression to be a glass of crimson wine, a bottle of smartwater and a tv within the background enjoying the fourth quarter of Boston’s 112-88 victory over the 76ers within the Jap Convention semifinals.
On the time of Simmons’ picture, with 3:24 left within the fourth quarter, the Celtics led by 30 factors.
Simmons was chosen No. 1 general by the 76ers in 2016, and he spent the following six years with the group — solely enjoying in 4 seasons, with a foot harm his rookie season and again/psychological well being causes in 2021-22.
And after the 2020-21 marketing campaign, Simmons and the group appeared to go towards a breakup, even earlier than the guard didn’t play the next yr.
He was in the end traded to the Nets — together with a large contract that also has two years and round $78 million left — in a deal that despatched James Harden to Philadelphia, beginning the breakup of Brooklyn’s Massive 3 that formally ended on the 2023 commerce deadline when Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving had been dealt to the Suns and Mavericks, respectively.
Simmons and the Nets had been swept within the first spherical this yr by the 76ers, however the 26-year-old hadn’t performed for the reason that All-Star break attributable to nerve impingement, knee and again issues that halted his season.
Head coach Jacque Vaughn stated on March 28 that Simmons wouldn’t be becoming a member of the Nets all through the remainder of their common season or playoffs, however the head coach added that — on the time — it appeared Simmons wouldn’t want one other surgical procedure, utilizing a rehab program all through the offseason.
Simmons may find yourself enjoying for the Australian Nationwide Workforce within the FIBA World Cup, in accordance with head coach Brian Goorjian and an interview Simmons did with Australia’s Every day Telegraph.
After their victory over the 76ers, the Celtics superior to the Jap Convention finals, the place they’ll face the Warmth for the second consecutive yr and third time within the final 4 postseasons.
