NBA legend Shaquille O?Neal has been critical of many current players as an analyst. One such player is Ben Simmons. After struggling with the Philadelphia 76ers, he joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2022. But the situation only worsened. Many fans and analysts were unhappy when Simmons did not play a single minute for the Nets, even when they faced elimination in the playoffs. Shaq expressed his frustration as well. Unfortunately for the 2018 Rookie of the Year, he has still not recovered completely and a major update about him recently attracted the attention of NBA fans.
The Australian had a strong start in the NBA. However, things went south in 2021 when his shortcomings became evident. Simmons was not happy when he was criticized for the 76ers’ elimination in the playoffs and demanded a trade.
New Ben Simmons update shocks fans
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After missing out on the whole of the 2022-23 season, the Brooklyn Nets faithful were hopeful about the return of Ben Simmons. With superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the side, the fans expected little from Simmons. Most fans just wanted him to be healthy and productive by helping the team out on both ends of the court.
Much to the joy of the fans, the three-time NBA All-Star returned to the team and was playing decent minutes. Even though he was not putting up great numbers and missed out on some games due to injury, the team was flying.
Then things changed when Durant and Irving were traded and the team started struggling. However, the Nets still find themselves in the 6th spot in the Eastern Conference Standings. Amidst this, Simmons missed more than a month of action with an injury. While he was considered questionable for the upcoming game against the Orlando Magic, it was recently revealed that the point guard won’t return to the court this season.
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This has come as a huge blow for the Nets and their aspirations for the playoffs. Head coach Jacque Vaughn disclosed the information during a press conference.
Shaquille O?Neal and the fans react to the news
The news about Ben Simmons’ injury setback was shared by many on social media including Shaquille O?Neal, who posted it in his story. Fans flooded the comment section to give their opinion about the whole ordeal. Here are some reactions:
“bro better start learning Chinese or Taiwanese”
“Now bro can?t win Rookie of the Year”
“Time to learn chinese”
“Breaking: the player who barely plays and hasn?t played in a while is not playing.”
“Go play overseas”
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“Boy career is finished”
“Bro been shut down since June 20, 2021 when 1st Team Defense Trae Young spooked Ben into passing up a dunk”
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Most fans stated that Simmons’ career could be over because of his lack of games in the last few seasons.
Do you think Ben Simmons can come back stronger next season? Let us know in the comments.