"Lol he in it for the riches and ladies", "Heβs a SOFT mamaβs boy that is a scared quitter" - Fans absolutely rinse Ben Simmons after reports emerge of him quitting on the Nets during playoffs
Ben Simmons has been one of the most controversial figures in basketball over the past few years. After half a season of clashing with the Philadelphia 76ers, the Australian made a move to the Brooklyn Nets at the trade deadline last season. The point guard was unable to play a single regular-season game for the Nets due to a back injury.
However, as the playoffs approached, reports about him being fit for the series against the Boston Celtics emerged. The Nets were down 3-0 and needed something big to avoid a sweep in the first round. The team reportedly discussed on group chat whether Ben Simmons could play in Game 4.
Following a Game 3 loss vs Boston, the Nets players asked Ben Simmons in a group chat if he was ready to play in Game 4. Ben Simmons did not answer the question and proceeded to leave the chat, per @RicBucher on @TheHerd.
"KD was like 'This is who I'm playing with?!" πΏ https://t.co/c5gGH7zUT1
NBA analyst Ric Bucher stated that the three-time All-Star left the group chat without even answering the question. The Nets went on to lose Game 4, becoming the only team to be swept in the playoffs.
Fans took to Twitter to express their views about the situation.
@TheNBACentral Dam nets are a train wreck, it just keeps getting worse
@TheNBACentral Lol he in it for the riches and ladies. He should just admit it. He really don't care about basketball, just own it lol
@TheNBACentral Heβs a SOFT mamaβs boy that is a scared quitter .. end of tweet π€·π»ββοΈ
@2pacOutsider @TheNBACentral If youβve followed Simmonsβ career at all you know this is entirely consistent with how he operates.
π€·πΏββοΈ@TheNBACentral Nets fans hyping Ben Simmons up but I have a strong feeling he will be demanding a trade by Allstar weekend . You seen it here first ππ€·πΏββοΈ
@TheNBACentral Surprised that anyone is surprised by this. He doesnβt want to play basketball anymore. Period
@TheNBACentral Why was he in it to begin with? Playing ain't got nothing to do with him
@TheNBACentral hes the worst human being in basketball. impossible to root for this baby
@TheNBACentral Iβve always said I think heβs more interested in being a celebrity than a basketball player.
@TheNBACentral Dude is such a baby.
Please get him out of this league for good.
@TheNBACentral Ben when they asked if he could play https://t.co/ysQv2BGpDD
@TheNBACentral Simmons was like https://t.co/44kVg1U8Jq
@TheNBACentral Ben Simmons explaining why he did that https://t.co/vFL5hBT3oV
@TheNBACentral Ben was like: https://t.co/uAkKFRjpWj
@TheNBACentral Ben Simmons when he's asked to play basketball https://t.co/vZtztYCJBK
@TheNBACentral This is what Ben Simmons wanted to do during Game 4: https://t.co/Eio7xjCRqn
@TheNBACentral Ben Simmons as soon as they asked him to play https://t.co/Rpj7VjvbAk
@LouAye_ @TheNBACentral Ben after game 3 https://t.co/ICM0IvP1iu
@TheNBACentral Biggest clown in all of sports π€‘
@TheNBACentral the reason he left nets group chat ππ
@rob_williamsIII πππ https://t.co/I2yT5unUeU
Simmons' decision not to play for the Nets last season may have been the right one. His injury was much more serious than initially believed and he underwent back surgery in May. The 26-year-old will be looking to make an impact next season.
How valuable is Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets?
Ben Simmons is one of the most talented players in the league. He has the ability to defend all positions and is an elite passer. Simmons has three All-Star and two All-Defensive first-team selections in his career so far.
Ben Simmons open-court defense on Luka Doncic. https://t.co/yfbi9pUkWx
Shooting has been a big concern throughout his career, but even without that, Simmons is a lethal player. With Kevin Durant's future hanging in the balance, the Aussie could be a key player for the Nets next season.
With him and Joe Harris returning, Brooklyn will likely see massive improvements on defense. If they keep hold of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, they will be one of the top contenders for the title.
Ben Simmons looked off the defense and dropped a clever dime to Joel Embiid in transition for tonight's #AssistOfTheNight! #HereTheyCome https://t.co/30BzGOY9jA