Ben Simmons’ NBA career has been a disappointment by any measure.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons has been plagued by exceptionally poor outside shooting, injuries, mental health concerns, and other issues. He averaged a career-low 6.9 points per game in his first year with the Brooklyn Nets, although the team recently shut him down for the remainder of the season because of back issues.
Despite all his woes, Simmons is still only 26 and is a great athlete with size (6-10). Some people still haven’t given up on him.
Count NBA legend Kevin Garnett among those who still believe. Talking about Simmons on the latest Showtime episode of Ticket and The Truth, Garnett offered encouraging words.
“Ben Simmons, if you’re listening, I want you to go back and find your roots, man,” Garnett said. “Go back and find why you love playing the game, man. Straight up. You got a lot to give to the game, bro.
“Like, straight up, if your heart ain’t it. It is what it is. I hate to say that, man. I think he’s got another run in him, but it’s gonna have to be Ben Simmons, bro. It’s gonna have to be him. I want to see dude get back to killing.”
(Video warning: NSFW language)
If Simmons turns his NBA fortunes around, it might come somewhere other than Brooklyn. The NBA rumor mill has the team exploring trade options for Simmons, although his remaining two years and almost $80 million contract might make that a tough sell.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.