?Setting Him Up for Slander?: NBA World Goes in a Frenzy as Ben Simmons Repeats His Bloopers in Brooklyn

Former Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons was on the court again this month. After more than a year of not playing, owing to mental health, injuries, and other issues with management, Simmons’ return is long overdue. Fans will be excited to finally get to see Simmons in action on the hardwood for the Nets in the upcoming season.

The Brooklyn Nets player was recently seen at practice at Brooklyn Bridge Park this week. Over 8,000 fans, a record number, were in attendance watching their favorite players shoot some hoops.

A video was reposted by NBA Central with the caption, “Ben with the shot”. It has garnered a lot of attention worldwide with over three million views, showing Ben Simmons casually throwing the basketball. But it turns out to be an airball shot. And the NBA world has gone into a frenzy seeing this.

While Ben Simmons’ fans believe that they are “setting him up for slander”. Simmons has been under scrutiny by fans and analysts of the game for some time now.

https://twitter.com/httpDuke/status/1579827347116929024?s=20&t=MCfohLawySuVER_65uyVoQ

Before Simmons got traded to the Nets, he was playing with the Philadelphia 76ers. After brutal criticism post a series loss to the Washington Wizards in June 2021, he later refused to represent the 76ers. Simmons cited mental health as a reason for doing so. Additionally, even after he got traded to the Nets, he couldn’t play owing to a back injury.

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Many people have, time and time again, shifted attention to his apparent deficiencies on the court. However, an absence of a good jump shot has never stopped him from bagging three All-Star teams and two All-Defensive teams.

NBA fans divided over Ben Simmons

The latest video doesn?t help make his case either. Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:

Head coach of the Brooklyn Nets?, Steve Nash, also doesn?t want Simmons to be invincible in every department. They are happy to have him on the team for his vision and versatility. “Very unique. That’s what makes Ben great. That’s why I don’t care if he ever shoots a jump shot for the Brooklyn Nets,” Nash said.

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What is your take on the online criticism Ben Simmons gets? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.