(Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
Ben Simmons has long been considered one of the more naturally talented players in the NBA, but he also has become one of the league’s biggest enigmas. He hasn’t come close to fulfilling his potential since being selected No. 1 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, and he has battled a mysterious back condition over the past couple of years that has limited how many games he has been able to play.
However, the New York Post is reporting that Simmons is expected to be back at full health by the time the 2024-25 NBA season begins, per NBACentral.
Ben Simmons is expected to be 100% by the time the season starts, per @nypost pic.twitter.com/RgLyPs6owE
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 9, 2024
Naturally, fans are skeptical that Simmons’ health will actually hold up when the new campaign begins.
Of course he will be 100% then. Right on cue for the Ben Simmons Cycle pic.twitter.com/wT1DUJkCza
— JBond (@jbondwagon) July 9, 2024
They been saying this for years. Then he gets injured again
— ᴅ (@DRaps04) July 9, 2024
This is some bait bro lol
— ¹ ᴏꜰ ¹ (@SwishPHI) July 9, 2024
Does bens agent pay NBA central?
— NoahMuse (@JoakimMuse) July 9, 2024
At times in his NBA career, Simmons has flashed his potential as a big man who can handle the ball in the open court, hit the open man, finish in the paint and defend at a high level.
But he also has acquired a deserved reputation as someone who just doesn’t show up consistently.
After a poor performance in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons demanded a trade after head coach Doc Rivers said he wasn’t sure Simmons could be the point guard on a championship team.
Simmons then cut off almost all communication between himself and the Sixers organization.
When he was ultimately traded to the Brooklyn Nets, it looked like he would soon be back to work (he hadn’t played that season up to that point), but then his back problems started.
He has appeared in a grand total of just 57 games over the past three seasons, including missing the entire 2021-22 campaign.
If he is healthy, he can make an impact on the court, but that is such a big if, especially considering the ups and downs of his eight years in the league.
The post Fans React To Today’s Ben Simmons Report appeared first on The Cold Wire.