USA Today via Reuters
Mar 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) and guard Ben Simmons (10) on the bench late in the fourth quarter of win against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant (7) and guard Ben Simmons (10) on the bench late in the fourth quarter of win against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Once regarded as one of the best youngsters in the league, former All-Star Ben Simmons’ career has gone wayward. Despite playing for the Brooklyn Nets alongside superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, he hasn’t performed up to expectations.
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However, it is not his performances which is the biggest issue surrounding him. It is his lack of game time. Simmons has been dealing with injury issues since last season. The latest update suggests the team is gravely concerned about Simmons’ fitness issues, which have urged fans on Twitter to react.
Fans take to Twitter to bash Ben Simmons following the latest update
The Brooklyn Nets have one of the best rosters in the league. With stars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons, a lot is expected from the Nets.
However, their performances definitely don’t match the hype and expectations. Simmons has been at the receiving end of most of the flak coming in from the fans and the media.
Following his move from the 76ers to the Nets, he has rarely played. This issue has concerned the fans and also the internal management. According to a report, “The coaching staff and players have been concerned about his availability and level of play, with some questioning his passion for the game.”
USA Today via Reuters
Oct 6, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (center) talks to guard Ben Simmons (left) and forward Kevin Durant (7) during the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
With this latest update, fans on Twitter have left no stone unturned in bashing him. Here are some of the best reactions:
Someone get this man a contract in China so he can get a statue.
— Jayrod (@SoopaStarJay) November 16, 2022
— zach v (@zaddybb3) November 16, 2022
But y’all thought Doc was crazy pic.twitter.com/gncpnoiGKg
— Trevor Cash (@BlackWoj) November 16, 2022
“I remember telling the Nets to not trade for Simmons, they did not listen. The rest is history.” pic.twitter.com/Oa0HAZslT5
— 𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙖𝙣 🎄 (@BamPlsWin) November 16, 2022
People are just now questioning this. He has the same weaknesses now that he had in high-school. He has not worked on his game, and relied on his overall talent and athleticism. It's obvious he doesn't have that desire. Why are they just noticing?
— JButler (@hesaidwutsports) November 16, 2022
As the above reactions suggest, the fans have not taken Simmons’ latest update lightly. His controversial history with the Philadelphia 76ers has also been addressed by some fans. He did not play a single game for the 76ers last season owing to injuries and ‘mental health’ issues before joining the Nets.
Kevin Durant leading the team by example
The Brooklyn Nets have had a horrible start to the season. After 15 games, they have a record of 6-9 and are currently 12th in the Eastern Conference.
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However, there has been a silver lining in the form of Kevin Durant. The former NBA champ is averaging 30.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists. Despite having some troubles with the team during the offseason, KD has managed to put all things aside and put up such phenomenal numbers.
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What are your predictions for the Brooklyn Nets this season? Let us know in the comments down below.
