“I think he probably needs a sports psychologist and I’m not talking about mental” - Charles Barkley on how Ben Simmons can return to All-Star form
Ben Simmons has never played this badly in his entire NBA career. After sitting out for more than a year due to mental health issues and back surgery, Simmons has looked like a shell of his old self this season.
Charles Barkley, during the "NBA on TNT" coverage of the Brooklyn Nets versus Sacramento Kings game, had this to say about the Australian’s situation:
(Starts at the 5:40 mark)
“I think he probably needs a sports psychologist and I’m not talking about mental. He’s frozen on the court. He’s not even looking at the basket.
“I ain’t never been on a team where guys had to scream at a guy to shoot the ball, ever. I’ve seen Kyrie [Irving] yell at him, I’ve seen the coach yell at him. He’s mentally blocked right now.”
Ben Simmons’ teammates have been desperately urging him to shoot the ball this season. Former coach Steve Nash preached patience upon Simmons’ return, but the point forward only became more hesitant than ever.
In four seasons playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, the Australian was a three-time All-Star. He averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Simmons shot 56.0% and made 59.3% of his free throws.
In 10 games with the Brooklyn Nets, his averages have plummeted to 5.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.1 steals. He is hitting just 48.1% of his shots and making a nightmarish 47.1% of his freebies. At one point, his total score was the same as his total fouls.
Several weeks ago, a video clip of the suspended Kyrie Irving screaming at Ben Simmons to shoot a point-blank attempt went viral. “Uncle Drew” gave Simmons a nifty pass, only for the former Philly superstar to pass the ball back to the perimeter without even looking at the basket.
During the Nets’ game against the Kings, new coach Jacque Vaughn was caught on the sidelines telling Simmons to just shoot. With Brooklyn already on their way to another loss, Vaughn probably wanted him to be more comfortable taking more shots.
Ben Simmons first 10-point game in over 500 days:
11 PTS
5-7 FG
The Nets lost by 32.
@PointsBetUSA https://t.co/J88HlWkeNU
Simmons ended the game with 11 points, the first time this season he has scored at least 10 this season. The Brooklyn Nets, however, were pummeled 153-121 by the Sacramento Kings. They simply can't expect to be title contenders if he continues to play scared.
Charles Barkley fears for Ben Simmons if and when he plays for the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers
Ben Simmons teased the Wells Fargo Center crowd during warmups in his first return to Philly as a member of the Brooklyn Nets last season. He participated in a few of the drills before going up for a dunk that promptly earned him a smattering of boos and catcalls.
Simmons, however, didn’t play and watched from the sidelines as Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving made sure he didn’t lose in front of the Philadelphia 76ers fans. On Tuesday, however, he may have to suit up if his sore knee holds up until then.
Here’s what Charles Barkley had to say about Ben Simmons’ return next week to Philadelphia:
(Starts at the 7:14 mark)
“I do not feel good about that situation next Tuesday. He’s playing bad, they’re gonna let him have it. I hope nothing bad happens like a fan doing something crazy.
“But this is gonna be bad. He can’t even rub it in their face playing good. It’s gonna be a hostile environment, he’s gonna play, but man, it’s gonna be bad.”
Shaquille O’Neal, who has had a public spat with Ben Simmons, has already marked that date on his calendar. Most basketball fans will likely be doing the same and will be eager to see how Simmons responds on the court in front of a rabid fan base.