NBA analyst hints towards Ben Simmons situation piling frustration in Nets: “The coaching staff and players have been concerned about his availability and level of play”
Ben Simmons has not been the spark the fans hoped he would be coming into the season. Recent reports reveal that the Nets might be growing frustrated with his performances and unavailability.
The Nets acquired Simmons midway through last season but could not get him on the floor due to injury. During the 2022 offseason, he underwent back surgery and recovered in time to start the 2022-23 campaign.
Simmons' return to action for the Nets has not had the desired impact. It has been reported that the organization is not entirely thrilled with how things have gone with the All-Star guard.
In a publication by Shams Charania and Sam Amick, it was revealed that the Nets' frustration has continued to build. The coaching staff and players are reportedly unsure of Simmons' passion for the game.
"According to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation, the frustration surrounding Simmons had been building in recent weeks within the organization.
"The coaching staff and players have been concerned about his availability and level of play, with some questioning his passion for the game, those sources said. But even when he did play, Simmons’ struggles in his first nine games this season were part of the Nets' frustration as well."
Simmons has played in ten of the Nets' 15 games. He has the least amount of field goal attempts (5.2) among everyone averaging 17+ minutes.
Ben Simmons said he cannot control what others think of him
Ben Simmons is not lost on the criticism that has followed him since he joined the Nets. However, he has stated that he has no control over what others think of him.
Many believe the All-Star guard has lost his zeal to play basketball and is faking injuries to sit out. Recently, he has been called out severally for being scared to make a shot.
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However, the Aussie has said that he cannot control what people believe. He revealed, in an interview with the Athletic, that he has been battling injuries for over two years now.
"You’re obviously not gonna be happy when anybody’s out. But for me, I’ve been dealing with the knee since the start of the season. It’s been swollen. I had PRP (injections).
"I had blood drained a couple times. So it’s not a made up thing, you know? It’s a real thing. ... I get (the skepticism), but I think the one thing with me is that I’m a competitor. I want to win and play. So I’m gonna do what I can to get out there.”
The start to the 2022-23 season hasn't been great for Ben Simmons and the Nets either. But Kevin Durant believes it will only get better for Simmons and the team.
The Nets have also been plagued by several internal issues. They parted ways with head coach Steve Nash, and Kyrie Irving is currently serving a suspension.
Nonetheless, the Nets have had a better run since the start of the internal issues. They have a 4-4 record since Jacque Vaughn took over as coach.