The Brooklyn Nets on Thursday ruled Ben Simmons out for the remainder of the season, prematurely ending his campaign for the third consecutive year. Naturally, social media had some brutal reactions.
Simmons’ inability to stay healthy combined with his albatross of a contract has long made him a favorite target of NBA fans. That was no different after the Nets said Simmons will miss the remainder of the season as he explores treatment options for a nerve impingement in his lower back.
Social media was not feeling sympathetic, to put it lightly.
Ben Simmons after dribbling a basketball for 3 seconds pic.twitter.com/wzVy7i4IIZ
— NBA Slime (@TerryFranconia) March 7, 2024
https://twitter.com/AFCTrae/status/1765743355105804667
Ben Simmons after playing 10 minutes off the bench: https://t.co/N6FpnBP5bF pic.twitter.com/Ar2xCzhTb6
— College Sports Only (@CollegeSportsO) March 7, 2024
Hey Ben Simmons, we need you!
Ben Simmons: pic.twitter.com/FBqAtN6pEc
— PR52 Best Team Football League (@PR52BTFLCommish) March 7, 2024
Ben Simmons at this point….. 😑 https://t.co/05XMZWTUfx pic.twitter.com/2JOWbMgPZr
— Lady M’s 🦅 are SB CHAMPS!! (@EaglesDiplomat) March 7, 2024
The perception surrounding Simmons at this point is that he is happy to sit on the bench and collect paychecks. That is not totally fair, as his back has been a lingering issue. His biggest issue is that even when he does play, he is a shadow of his former self. In 15 games this season, he averaged just 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. He bears little resemblance to the player who, despite the criticism, was once a Rookie of the Year and perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
At this rate, Simmons’ legacy is going to be one of an overpriced bust who is hated in the city where he was most successful. He has one year left on his contract, and is slated to make over $40 million next season.
