Things are not going well thus far this NBA season for the Brooklyn Nets. They have had to deal with plenty of off-the-court drama, as Kyrie Irving remains away from the team with his suspension of at least five games now lasting seven and counting.
The team’s early season struggles that led to head coach Steve Nash mutually parting ways with the organization haven’t truly subsided as they are struggling once again. Tuesday night’s embarrassment at the hands of the Sacramento Kings was just the latest episode as the Nets lost 153-121.
For the majority of the game, Kevin Durant was carrying the team on his own as the Kings allowed him to get his while they expanded their lead as no one else stepped up. One positive to come out of the game was that Ben Simmons looks like he may be starting to turn a corner.
Simmons scored a season-high 11 points to go along with five rebounds, three assists and one steal. He is adjusting to a new role, coming off the bench for the first time in his career as the backup center. Not only is he knocking off rust after missing the entire 2021-22 season, but he is now learning a new position as well.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Despite that, there are already people within the Nets organization that have growing frustrations with Simmons, questioning his desire to be a professional basketball player and being fed up with his lack of availability.
“There’s only so much I can really do (about perception),” Simmons said. “You can’t make people believe, you know? They weren’t there when I was on the floor and couldn’t walk (because of his back). They weren’t there when I was in the ambulance getting taken to the hospital (after a Feb. 22, 2020 game at Milwaukee). People weren’t there, so they don’t know. That was the first episode I had against Milwaukee. That was the original trigger of it…right before COVID, the start of my back issues.
“But that’s a part of my journey. There’s times when I couldn’t walk. I had a dead foot. Couldn’t sleep. A lot of stuff was going on with me, physically, to where it was tough. But there’s only so much I can say for somebody to believe, you know?”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Simmons underwent back surgery in May and was able to get healthy and be on the court opening night. Alas, he is dealing with a new challenge of a balky left knee. Simmons recently had his knee drained, which caused him to miss eight days, and he was a last-minute scratch against the Los Angeles Lakers over the weekend for knee soreness.
Injuries happen and are outside of a player’s control. However, given the perception and reputation that Simmons has garnered, frustrations are growing within the organization about him.
“According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation, the frustration surrounding Simmons had been building in recent weeks within the organization. The coaching staff and players have been concerned about his availability and level of play, with some questioning his passion for the game, those sources said. But even when he did play, Simmons’ struggles in his first nine games this season were part of the Nets’ frustration as well.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Ben Simmons & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Struggles should have been expected for Simmons given the length of time that he was off the court for. The Nets need to support him a little bit more if they hope to ever have him turn things around and get comfortable on the team.
Yes, it is frustrating at times that he doesn’t seem to possess the drive of some other players, but incessantly questioning him isn’t going to improve the situation.
Simmons is doing everything he can to regain his old form as he is constantly rehabbing and getting treatment, attempting to get his body right. He has gone through a lot over the last two years, and receiving some support would likely go a long way to helping him get back on track.
