"Can't be ducking that smoke" - Former Lakers guard roasts Ben Simmons for dropping workout clips following his injury recovery claims
In the offseason, a workout video from Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons went viral on social media. It was the first time fans saw Simmons in action since February. The 6-foot-10 guard-forward only played 15 games last season before he was shut down for the rest of the season due to injury.
Simmons missed most of the 2023-24 NBA season due to a back injury requiring surgery. The procedure was a success, and last month, the Australian star posted a video workout with NBA trainer Chris Brickley.
"@bensimmons ready to have a big season! He makes an impact on the court many different ways!" Brickley posted on Instagram.
However, his workout videos didn't work on former LA Lakers guard Patrick Beverley. In the latest episode of "Pat Bev Pod," the defensive guard didn't hold back in calling out Simmons.
"Nobody trying to hear that s**t," Beverley said. "I ain't trying to hear that s**t. I'm over here and I ain't trying to hear that s**t. You gotta show us, buddy. And you gotta show us for at least 60-something games. We ain't on that. I ain't trying to hear that s**t. No more talk, no videos. On the court, I need to see it.
Beverley continued challenging Simmons to suit up this season and show everyone he's still a star.
"But when you play, he be hooping. Just got to play. And he can't be ducking that smoke. If the lights get big, you got to get big with the light. Can't be ducking that s**t. Motherf***er leave you open? I ain't saying shoot threes all the time, but impact the game."
Ben Simmons sends a reminder to his doubters ahead of the new season
Ben Simmons has not been 100% healthy in the past two seasons as a player. Simmons has only played 57 games for the Nets and has spent most of the time on the sidelines. The main reason behind this was the recurring back injury he's had since he was with the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, the three-time All-Star knows that he can still make an impact for the team this season.
"I think people forget me as a player when I'm healthy. I can play basketball, I'm pretty good right?" Simmons said on Monday.
Simmons is in the final year of his five-year, $177 million contract. He has to prove to everyone that he can contribute to any team to get a reasonable contract offer from other teams once he becomes a free agent.