The downward turn in Ben Simmons’ career is widely known. Formerly a No.1 overall pick, an All-Star and a franchise cornerstone for the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons now finds himself relegated to a supporting role with the Brooklyn Nets, for now.
What stands out about Simmons is the lack of progress in his offensive game, particularly his ability to shoot. This weak spot has haunted Simmons since he stepped into the NBA, and it now seems more evident as he shies away from scoring while his other strengths become insufficient to mask his shooting deficits.
Although he averaged 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game last season, a 6.9 points per game average on 56.6% shooting from the field leaves much to be desired for a player of his caliber. In a complicated season, the 26-year old big guard also experienced the setback of a knee and back injury, which limited him to 42 games.
Much has been said about Simmons’ regression in recent years, and now, Simmons himself as spoken out about the topic. Simmons appears to ready to return to his old self this coming season:
Per Andscape:
“For me to come back and dominate people will be great,” Simmons said. “I don’t intend to come back the same player I was last [season], because that’s not even close to where I am. I get excited because I’m like, ‘Damn, I would [expletive] on the player I was last year.’ But I know where I was at last year, so it’s easy to say that. But it’s just fun to go and do the thing that you love when you’re out there. That’s really it for me. I don’t really ask for too much.”
Unfortunately for Simmons, NBA Twitter isn’t ready to buy into a Simmons resurgence and expectedly started to mock him.
With no jump shot?
— ミ 彡 (@Bucshitcrazy) August 29, 2023
We know that ain’t happening pic.twitter.com/qBR9E4iHrK
— AY (@ayknowsball) August 29, 2023
Nets are about to finally win the Ben Simmons & James Harden trade
— Kory Waldron (@Just_KWal) August 29, 2023
0 point BenSimmons once the Playoffs start after dominating all Reg-Szn pic.twitter.com/LCQdREflSy
— NBAHoopla (@NBAHoopLoop) August 29, 2023
He doesn’t dominate anyone though. He is pass first forward. How about you try just dominating the free throw line before other players.
— NBA Reactz (@NBAReactz) August 29, 2023
All you can do is laugh man
— The GM (@hibsidnolic) August 29, 2023
Rooting for him but won’t believe it till I see it!
— Mob (@MobHoops) August 29, 2023
