"Ben Simmons, one of the least reliable max players in NBA history to go alongside Kyrie Irving" - NBA analyst denies Nets making it into NBA finals, slams Ben Simmons for his clumsy performance
The Brooklyn Nets are considered one of the title contenders going into this season, but NBA analyst Nick Wright thinks otherwise. He believes two of their Big 3 are unreliable.
The Nets opened their 2022-23 campaign on October 19 with a blowout 130-109 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. The showing was embarrassing, to say the least, especially for a team that was supposed to contend for the title. Wright has made his stance clear, stating that they are the same old Nets regardless of the calibre of players on the roster.
On "What's Wright with Nick Wright," he ripped into the Nets for their season opener. Wright believes they will not be great because they have Ben Simmons and Kyrie Irving who, according to him, are unreliable. He said:
(From 8:00)
"A lot of people think they could be great. It is the same old Nets. But now they have added Ben Simmons, one of the least reliable max players in NBA history. To go alongside Kyrie Irving, one of the other least reliable max players in NBA history."
Ben Simmons fouled out of his first NBA game since 2021 after 23 minutes
There was a lot of expectation with Simmons playing his first competitive game for the Nets. However, fans were disappointed after his display in the season opener.
Simmons played only 23 minutes before fouling out of the game. Although not much emphasis was placed on his scoring, he ended the game with four points on 2-of-3 shooting from the field.
Ben Simmons just fouled out of the game with:
4 points
5 rebounds
5 assists
😳 https://t.co/HBhA9vdpZV
Head coach Steve Nash has said that he does not care much about Simmons scoring. For a team stacked with prolific scorers, that point of view is understandable
Meanwhile, during the preseason, he also fouled out of one of the games. But there was much ado about nothing because it was only a preseason game.
Seeing as it has carried over to the season, it is not a good look for the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year runner-up. Nonetheless, one game should not be enough to cause panic.
Simmons feels at home in Brooklyn
Simmons' departure from the Philadelphia 76ers was a traumatizing experience. He was haunted by the fans for his role in their 2021 conference semifinals exit and claimed he did not get any support from the franchise.
The All-Star guard decided to force his way out of the team. He sat out the start of the season until he was traded for James Harden during the trade deadline.
Although he has been with the team since February, he made his first appearance this season. He was nursing a back injury and was unavailable to help the Nets last season.
Despite missing NBA action for a year, Simmons says he is ready to compete. He also revealed that his new teammates have been supportive, and he feels at home in Brooklyn.
In an interview with ESPN's Nick Friedell, he said:
"I got support from all these guys, the coaching staff, the organization, so it's up to me to go out there to do my job now and work. It feels like home. It feels normal to be here and come to work."
The Nets will go in search of their first victory on Friday night against the Toronto Raptors. Simmons is expected to play and put in a better performance.