While with the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Simmons was considered to be one of the best two-way players in the NBA, with the ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
Unfortunately, once things started to get rocky for Simmons in Philadelphia following a disappointing showing in the NBA playoffs, the No. 1 overall pick from the 2016 NBA Draft wanted to head elsewhere and was eventually traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for James Harden.
Simmons’ career took a turn for the worse with the Nets, as he has been unable to stay healthy, playing in only 57 games for Brooklyn in three seasons.
With Simmons heading into a prove-it campaign with the Nets, the pressure will be on the veteran to show he is worth signing to a new contract, with his current deal expiring after the 2024-25 season.
Former NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neal recently explained what he thinks happened with Simmons and how he believes the once-promising star is leaning on a back injury as an excuse.
“Ben is sensitive. … When he got exposed, we saw it. … Now the back thing, I let that go the first year. I’m not letting that go three years in a row. This is 2024,” O’Neal said on his podcast.
Shaq on Ben Simmons:
“Ben is sensitive… When he got exposed, we saw it… Now the back thing I let that go the first year. I’m not letting that go three years in a row. This is 2024.”
New episode is live here: https://t.co/VHZZ4QnaOE pic.twitter.com/Pab4XWaijt
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) September 20, 2024
With the Nets heading into a rebuilding process, plenty of attention will be on Simmons during the 2024-25 NBA regular season, as it may be the last chance he gets to prove his worth to Brooklyn, or other teams if he becomes a free agent.
Time will tell what the future holds for Simmons and whether he will resurrect his career with the Nets or someone else.
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Former Player Says Trainer Ruined His Reputation By Hyping Up Ben Simmons
