NBA fans have been waiting – and waiting and waiting – for Ben Simmons to look like an All-Star again.
Will this be the year the Brooklyn Nets player is back in prime form?
Speaking on “The Big Podcast”, Shaquille O’Neal shared his opinion of Simmons.
After calling him “sensitive”, O’Neal claimed Simmons was exposed a few seasons ago when it became clear he was having trouble on the court and confidence problems about this playing.
Since then, he has blamed a back injury for his many absences, but O’Neal isn’t buying 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.
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.”
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— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) September 20, 2024
He is echoing the sentiment of many Nets fans, who are demanding a big year from Simmons.
The former No. 1 draft pick has been with Brooklyn since 2022 but has only participated in 57 games with them.
His excuse has always been his back problems, which are reportedly fixed now.
But what happens if they aren’t?
What will fans do if they have another season filled with Simmons missing games?
They will likely lose their faith in him forever but the front office will also respond.
Like the fans, Brooklyn’s management has been patiently waiting to see what Simmons can bring to the team.
They likely won’t wait much longer.
The problem is that few other teams would be keen on signing Simmons after the last few years, so he could be out of options.
This season is make-or-break for Simmons and O’Neal and others won’t accept any excuses.
