Ben Simmons entered the NBA with superstar promise, selected first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. A 6’10” point forward with elite playmaking, defensive versatility, and transition ability, Simmons quickly made a name for himself.
A Career of Highs and Lows
He won Rookie of the Year and earned three All-Star selections, showcasing the potential to be one of the league's best two-way players. However, his lack of shooting, particularly from outside the paint, became a glaring issue over time, limiting his effectiveness in the half-court offense.
Simmons' career took a sharp turn during the 2021 playoffs, where his reluctance to shoot and fear of getting fouled led to an infamous passing sequence against the Atlanta Hawks. This moment exposed deeper concerns about his confidence and development.
Ben Simmons did not just pass this up... pic.twitter.com/4JyM7ZHNkJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 21, 2021
The 76ers were down by two points with roughly three and half minutes to go in their Game 7 Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Hawks. However, Simmons, who had an open layup, passed the ball to Matisse Thybulle, which resulted in one made free throw. Philadelphia eventually lost the game 103-96.
An Awkward Fit on a Rebuilding Nets Team
After forcing a trade to the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, he missed the rest of the season due to a back injury, and his much-anticipated debut with the Nets came with tempered expectations.
Despite flashes of his defensive ability and court vision, Simmons’ fit with the current Nets roster feels more awkward than ever. The team is now rebuilding after trading away Mikal Bridges and is focused on developing their drafted talent like Cam Thomas and Nic Claxton.
The Nets Need a Fresh Start
In this context, Simmons’ inability to stretch the floor becomes a liability. His pass-first mentality clashes with the needs of a team that lacks a dominant scorer. While he can still impact the game defensively and in transition, the Nets require players who can help build a more modern, spacing-oriented offense.
The Nets can ill-afford to invest heavily in a player whose ceiling no longer seems to align with the team's goals. Brooklyn needs a fresh start, and holding onto Simmons would hinder the growth of their core and further delay their rebuilding timeline.
Ben Simmons may still find success elsewhere, but the Brooklyn Nets should recognize that his presence no longer serves their best interests. Ending the Simmons experiment would allow the franchise to fully embrace its new direction.