This NBA season has been a dramatic one in many ways. One of the biggest reasons for it being so is the case of Ben Simmons. Ben spent 4 years at the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers drafted him as a 19-year-old in the 1st pick overall and he could not play for a year due to his injury. 

When he did play after a season’s absence, he had some decent performances. He showed the potential he had and what to expect of him once he gets at the top level of his game.

His creativity, passing range, and spontaneousness on the court are off the charts. His speed and agility on and off the dribble are absolutely amazing. Simmons is truly someone destined for great things because he makes the game look easy on the eyes. But all this is only when he plays and he has not for a long time now.

Ben Simmons’ long awaited debut

No matter how promising a prospect Simmons was in Philadelphia, things did not end well for him there. He has not played any game for the Brooklyn Nets so far. It was a narrative that he does not want to face his former team last month and that is why there was a delay in his debut. But the game has arrived once again and his former boss had something to say about him playing against 76ers and more.

A reporter asked Doc Rivers, 76ers coach, if he thinks the 76ers should give a tribute to Ben Simmons after the things that happened, following the chatter on Twitter. Doc responded in a smart way.

He said, “Well, that’s a loaded question. Yeah, I do actually. Ben did a lot of good things here, you know. It (just) didn’t end well, right?” He continued to say that he did not know if there was something planned, but if 76ers did give Simmons a tribute, he would not have any issues with it.

READ MORE: NBA Twitter reacts on Simmons’ injury updates.

The reporter then asked if this situation was comparable to that of Vince Carter when he came back to Toronto playing for the New Jersey Nets and the treatment he got. Doc is a smart man and came up with another clever answer.

“No, I don’t get involved in that. I don’t know. Our fans are so silent, so I can’t imagine anything happening.” Sarcastic indeed.

Ben Simmons is still far from making his Nets debut and as things stand, he definitely will not be making an appearance against his former side on Thursday.

What is wrong with Simmons?

The 76ers wanted James Harden after the 2020-21 season ended, although they could only acquire him in February 2022. This trade involved Ben Simmons going away to join the Nets and Harden coming in. 

Ben Simmons knew that his team does not see any future with him because they sensed Harden might be more important for the 76ers than Simmons. If he were to play, he would have had to play through this feeling. He was not ready for it and he has not made an appearance this season.

WATCH: When can we expect Ben Simmons’ return?

Even after joining the Brooklyn Nets in February, he has been dealing with the same mental pressures and his injury troubles have been a big setback, too. Therefore, he is yet to make his Nets debut.

The Nets see him as someone who can help them turn this season around, but his back problems are stopping his progress. It is hoped that he would be ready to get on that court by next week. But will he? Everyone hopes a talent like him is off and running, playing his best basketball very soon.