The story of Ben Simmons’s output decline is one of the most interesting in NBA history, and it will be told long after he retires—particularly if he manages to join a championship-winning squad.
Simmons relocated to Brooklyn with the Nets after destroying relationships in Philadelphia, but he hasn’t had much luck improving his situation there either.His availability has been curbed by injuries, and on Thursday evening, it was revealed that he would not be playing again this season.
The reason for his extended absence is surgery to address a persistent back ailment. However, many are skeptical of Simmons’ health claims, and even legendary NBA players have even questioned his courage and dedication to the game.
Although Simmons was once seen as LeBron James’s natural successor, Shaquille O’Neal has finally had enough of the Nets’ intransigence and is now speaking his mind.
Did Shaq mention Simmons in his comments?The question of which NBA players, as performers on the court, O’Neal would be willing to pay to watch was asked of him on his own podcast.
But his answer wasn’t entirely sincere; he used the chance to publicly criticize Simmons.
“Ben Simmons, because I would want to learn how you can make 80 million dollars and play 55 games, teach me.” “The Big Podcast with Shaq” was Shaq’s podcast.
Explаin tо me hоw yоu mаnаged tо eаrn $30 milliоn, $40 milliоn, аnd аn аdditiоnаl $40 milliоn оver the cоurse оf three seаsоns plаying 55 gаmes while clаiming bаck pаin.Because of his back problem, as I described earlier, Australian player Simmons has missed most of the year and has only played in 15 games.
An first small operation on his lower back proved insufficient to resolve the issue, leading to his longest stretch of missing games this year, which reached 38.
The silver side is that Simmons has plenty of time to turn things around—he’s still only 27 years old—but his reputation has taken a major knock and the real contenders simply aren’t interested in bringing him in.Also, he hasn’t had surgery on his back in three years, so there must be something seriously wrong with his body when it comes to the demands of professional basketball.
Simmons’ existing contract with the Nets is worth approximately $40 million and has one year remaining after the current season ends.
