Fact Check: Did Ben Simmons sign with Taiwan Tigers? Debunking rumors of 3x All-Star quitting NBA
Ben Simmons found himself included in a joke made by former NBA star Dwight Howard this week. On the heels of teams like the Phoenix Suns, Philadelphia 76ers and Golden State Warriors being eliminated from the playoffs, Howard teased a Taiwanese superteam.
The picture showed Howard alongside notable players like Ben Simmons, James Harden and Klay Thompson among others all wearing Taiwanese jerseys. Following the photo, a Twitter account posted a tweet indicating that Simmons signed a two-year deal worth ¥49,882,000 to join the Taiwan Tigers.
Given that he's still under contract with the Brooklyn Nets, the news is certainly fake.
Ben Simmons’ future in the NBA
Although Ben Simmons currently has two years left on his current contract, he was recently shut down late in the season as the result of back pain. Early on in the year, Simmons’ play was put under the microscope.
At times, he seemed to be returning to form as an All-Star. Other times, he seemed to look like he was struggling to get things going. As the season progressed, the Nets fired Steve Nash before trading Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Later in the year, Simmons was shut down amid ongoing back pain, resulting in the team controversially shutting him down for the year. Of course, as some were quick to point out, Simmons had already returned ahead of schedule from back surgery.
Given that, some advocated for critics to go easy on him considering that when he underwent surgery the long end of the timeline didn’t have him returning until the end of 2023. With Ben Simmons currently rehabbing his back, the hope is that he’s good to go at the start of the season.
Despite that, there are concerns that he may never be the same again given that many believe his problems are both physical and mental. As Stephen A. Smith recently alleged during an episode of his Know Mercy podcast, it’s hard to keep track of what’s ailing Simmons.
From mental health struggles to physical injuries, it seems as though the former All-Star simply can’t catch a break. Whether or not this season helps him return to form, only time will tell.