Ben Simmons' subtle shot at critics in return to Australia

Ben Simmons has taken to Instagram to issue a subtle swipe at his critics in his return to Australia.

The Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard/forward is back in Sydney as he continues preparations for the next NBA season, and posted a picture with the Opera House in the background with a somewhat eye-catching caption.

OPINION: Australia has a Ben Simmons problem

“Hate it or love it 🤷🏽‍♂️ Born n raised Australian 😤🇦🇺 +61,” he wrote, accompanying the post.

Simmons and his rookie contract extension with the 76ers became a massive talking point when he was last visiting home a few weeks prior.

After the rising star claimed he was racially profiled by security at Melbourne’s Crown Casino, Simmons found himself under heavy scrutiny from certain sections of the media.

Some, including 2GB’s Alan Jones and former AFL player Kane Cornes, suggested Simmons should ‘go back to America’.

Boomers coach backs Simmons’ stance

Boomers head coach Andrej Lemanis felt "frustrated" at the way Simmons has been targeted, and said he supported the star's decision to pull out of Boomers duties.

"That sort of stuff bothers me," Lemanis said of the criticism directed at Simmons.

"Ben's at the high end of that (criticism) because of the superstar status that he carries.

"But I saw when Bogut was coming through and people used to get on him. These guys are passionate about playing for their country, and they want to play.

"There are a lot of other forces pulling at them. They are men who are managing careers and have decisions to make, and we support them in all of that.

"They know what's going on and what's best for them in managing their careers, and we 100 per cent support them, and 100 per cent support him (Simmons) in doing what is right for him at any particular point in time."

WITH AAP