Yardbarker
x
Nets Not Planning On Getting Rid Of Ben Simmons Next Season
Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Despite Ben Simmons' ongoing struggles with injuries and his limited playing time over the past three seasons, the Brooklyn Nets are committed to retaining him for the upcoming season.

Simmons' injury woes have been well-documented, with the latest setback being a back injury that has ruled him out for the remainder of the current season after appearing in just 15 games where he averaged 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 58.1 percent from the floor. Despite this, the Nets remain steadfast in their support of Simmons and their plans to keep him on the roster.

Over the past three seasons, Simmons has played a total of only 57 games, a stark contrast to the substantial $106 million he has earned during that time period. His injury history, particularly concerning his back, has raised concerns about his long-term availability and effectiveness on the court.

Simmons' troubles began during the 2021-2022 season when he held out from playing for the Philadelphia 76ers as he sought a trade. Following his trade to the Nets, he was sidelined due to a herniated disk in his back. While he managed to return to play in the subsequent season, a nerve impingement in his back further limited his availability.

Despite his diminished playing time and production, Simmons' potential remains evident based on his previous performances. In the 2020-2021 season, he showcased his versatility and skill set, averaging 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game while earning All-Star honors.

However, concerns linger about Simmons' ability to overcome his persistent back issues and return to peak form. With his playing time and statistics declining in recent seasons, doubts have arisen about his future contributions to the Nets and whether he can reclaim his status as an elite player in the league.

Ben Simmons Has One Last Chance

Ben Simmons finds himself at a critical juncture in his NBA career, with one last chance to prove his value on the court. His future in the league hinges on his ability to overcome his injury struggles and demonstrate that he can still perform at an elite level.

For Simmons, this upcoming season represents a make-or-break opportunity to showcase his skills and silence the doubters. If he can stay healthy and consistently contribute on both ends of the floor, he could reassert himself as a coveted asset in the NBA.

The Brooklyn Nets, along with other teams, may be interested in Simmons if he can demonstrate that he can excel in a role similar to that of Draymond Green—a versatile playmaker and defensive anchor. Simmons' unique skill set, including his exceptional passing and defensive prowess, could make him a valuable asset to any team willing to take a chance on him.

However, if Simmons fails to stay healthy or struggles to perform at a high level, his prospects in the NBA could diminish significantly. His inability to develop a reliable outside shot and his history of injuries may deter potential suitors from pursuing him in free agency or trade scenarios.

Ultimately, Ben Simmons' future in the NBA hinges on his ability to seize this opportunity and prove that he still has what it takes to be a difference-maker on the court. If he can rise to the occasion and showcase his talent, he may yet carve out a successful career in the league. However, if he falls short, he may find himself on the outside looking in, facing an uncertain future in professional basketball.

This article first appeared on Fadeaway World and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.