The controversy surrounding Ben Simmons has spread into the Brooklyn Nets locker room and is driving headlines in the NBA, as per multiple reports.
“Frustration developing in recent weeks inside the organization” due to Simmons’ inconsistent availability and his level of performance has been reported by The Athletic.
Simmons has missed four games already this season because of knee pain, and he has only played 10 times for Brooklyn since being dealt to the team on February 10. This season he is averaging a career-low 5.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.1 steals in only 26 minutes per game.
Simmons’ colleagues have reportedly called him out in player-only meetings since the basketball world has grown to expect more from the two-time all-star. As per The Athletic, forward Markieff Morris expressed the team’s desire for Simmons to improve his resiliency and success in the face of adversity at that discussion.
The frustration surrounding Ben Simmons had been building in recent weeks within the Nets’ organization, per @ShamsCharania
“The coaching staff and players have been concerned about his availability and level of play, with some questioning his passion for the game,” pic.twitter.com/eWbjo2EvWs
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 16, 2022
“I get (the skepticism about my injuries), but I think the one thing with me is that I’m a competitor,” Simmons reported to The Athletic Tuesday after the Nets fell 153-121 to Sacramento. “I want to win and play. So I’m going to do what I can to get out there.”
Simmons continued to explain why he has missed time this season due to knee problems. “You’re obviously not going to be happy when anybody’s out,” Simmons stated. “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.”
The 26-year-old All-star has missed time in recent seasons for a variety of reasons, including a back ailment, mental health concerns after the 2021 playoffs, and now this knee injury.
Despite all the turmoil, the Nets entered the year with high expectations and a shot at the NBA Finals. They now find themselves in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a 6-9 record.
