There may not be a bigger what-if in the NBA currently than Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft entered the league oozing with potential. He looked like an unstoppable two-way force, possessing the size of a big man but the skill set of a point guard.
The only thing missing from his arsenal was a jump shot, something many people thought he could develop as his career went on. His playmaking and rebounding for a guard were both elite and he could legitimately defend all five possessions on the court standing 6’10” and weighing 240 pounds.
All-Star nods, All-NBA and All-Defensive Team selections began racking up. Still only 24 and wrapping up his fifth season as a pro, fourth as playing, and Simmons was looking like a franchise cornerstone. But then, everything came crashing down.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons & Brooklyn Nets Updates
The lasting image many people will have of Simmons was him passing the ball, when he had a dunk attempt over Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. It was Game 7 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series and that pass is essentially when “The Process” came to an end for the Philadelphia 76ers.
It was the last time Simmons suited up for the 76ers, as he missed the entire 2021-22 season because of a holdout and back injury. He was eventually traded to the Nets as part of the James Harden blockbuster deal, but things haven’t gotten any better in Brooklyn.
Simmons has played in only six games thus far this season and only 42 last season. His inability to stay on the court has removed any luster that remained when being evaluated by teams around the NBA.
In fact, at this point, he would struggle to make a roster in the opinion of former NBA executive, Bobby Marks. During a recent appearance on the HoopsHype Podcast with Michael Scotto, the current ESPN analyst shared a brutal opinion of Simmons and how he is perceived around the league.
“If Simmons was a free agent this offseason, he’d get the minimum because he’s not reliable. That’s just the reality of it. What team out there, unless you’re going to sign him and put an injury protection clause in there that protects every part of his body, what team would go out there? I thought he was pretty good in the games he played this year, but since 2020-21, he hasn’t played,” Marks said.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons & Brooklyn Nets Updates
That is the harsh reality of it. Simmons has not proven that he can stay on the court and it can be argued he currently has the worst contract in the NBA. While other players may be overpaid as well, they are at least playing and contributing in some fashion on the court.
The same cannot be said about Simmons. It is unfortunate as well as Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn looked to be putting him in a position to succeed this season. He had a defined role on the team and was looking comfortable. But, his body betrayed him as he hasn’t played since November 6th and no return seems imminent.
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