To say the least, this has been a chaotic season for the Brooklyn Nets.
It started last summer with Kevin Durant asking to be traded and rumors that Kyrie Irving also wanted to leave, and it continued in the fall when Irving promoted a film with antisemitic material on social media and with the firing of head coach Steve Nash.
Then both Durant and Irving were traded, triggering the start of a long-term rebuilding process.
Then there is the matter of Ben Simmons, the talented but enigmatic player who has played in just 42 games for the Nets since they traded for him last season.
He has been out for over a month with a back issue, and it was announced on Saturday that he will likely miss the rest of this season.
The Nets says Ben Simmons is unlikely to play the remainder of the season. pic.twitter.com/zH3mOyoNvr
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 25, 2023
Retire.
— ChanTHEman (@theman_chan) March 25, 2023
Worst contract in NBA history
— Mr. Re:LAX (@RelaxBash) March 25, 2023
Biggest fraud in NBA history
— 🦁$IMB2A🏴☠️ (@GALSENFREAK91) March 25, 2023
I didn’t realize he played at all this season.
— Andrew Wells (@acwells723) March 25, 2023
Historic fall off
— Taz (@Griff092) March 25, 2023
I forgot he was on the team😐
— BigK (@BIGKBK) March 26, 2023
Top 5 bust all time
— Zagreus (@1zagreus) March 25, 2023
When Simmons came into the NBA as the first pick in the 2016 draft, many felt he had superstar potential.
However, he never really improved his game, other than becoming one of the league’s better defenders.
He has never developed any ability or willingness to take, let alone make shots outside of the paint, and through it all, he has developed a reputation for being mentally weak.
After his Philadelphia 76ers fell apart in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals and lost in seven games, head coach Doc Rivers said he wasn’t sure if Simmons could be the point guard on a championship team.
The point guard reacted by demanding a trade and cut off almost all communication with the 76ers organization.
Until Simmons plays a full season for the Nets and performs well, many will continue to doubt his mental toughness and dedication to basketball.
