Probable Reason for Taking Away Teammate?s ?Smile?, Nets Might Pull the Plug on Ben Simmons? Experiment: Rumor

NBA star?Ben Simmons?joined the Brooklyn Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2021-22 season. However, he did not play a minute for the Nets after his arrival. He received a lot of flack from the fans and analysts for not suiting up even when the Nets were about to be swept by the Boston Celtics in the first round of playoffs. The Celtics swept the Nets, and there were rumors about superstars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant leaving the team. However, they did not move.

Since Simmons did not play the whole season, there was a massive expectation of him for the new season. But it looks like the experimentation with the former #1 pick has failed.

Ben Simmons to the Hornets?

Ben Simmons showed flashes of genius at times, but overall it has been a disappointing season so far. He is averaging 7.4 points per game which is less than half of his career average of 14.9 points per game. On the other hand, he is not very far from his career averages in categories like rebounds, assists, and steals. However, with the?absence of Kevin Durant due to a knee injury, the Nets need someone to shoulder the scoring responsibilities with Kyrie Irving. And Simmons is not suited for that role.

There are rumors suggesting the Brooklyn Nets?are aggressively looking for reinforcements, and it could be from Michael Jordan’s Charlotte Hornets.?According to a report from Heavy, the Nets could send Simmons for Gordon Hayward, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Mason Plumlee.

READ MORE?-??I?ll Never Forgive James Harden?: Nets Fans Look For Excuses as Ben Simmons Fears Seem to Come True

The Nets are 3-6 during the absence of Durant. So they are looking for reinforcements to help them fill the void left behind by KD. However, the rumored trade proposal comes with a huge risk. Even though Gordon Hayward is a better scorer than Simmons, he is injury prone. Similarly, Kelly Oubre Jr. is also recovering from an injury. However, if they are healthy, the trio of Hayward, Oubre Jr., and Plumlee could help the Nets massively.

Simmons was not a happy camper with the 76ers, and James Harden wanted a move from the Nets. So the two teams worked on the trade. Even though there were concerns about Simmons’ attitude because of the way he ended his time in Philly, there was still a huge expectation. But things do not look good now.

Could Cam Thomas help the Nets?

The Brooklyn Nets might already have a solution in their own hands in Cam Thomas. The shooting guard has the potential to be effective on the floor. But he has seen his minutes reduced from last season because of Ben Simmons’ return. While Simmons is on the floor for 27.3 minutes per game, Thomas is for 13.5 minutes per game.

Despite only playing half the time, he is almost averaging the same amount of points as the 2018 ROY. Recently, the sophomore’s disappointment was apparent when he said he does not smile because there is nothing funny to smile about.

WATCH THIS STORY – Devin Booker, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis and Other NBA Stars With 50-Point Performances This Season

Even though most of his minutes do not come against starters, he certainly has the potential to score more if he is given more minutes. And he proved it in the win against Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 21 points in 23 minutes with 61.5 FG%.