Since coming into the NBA as the first overall pick in the 2016 draft, Ben Simmons has been one of the league’s most talented players.
However, his flaws have also been loud and clear.
But now, he has also gained a reputation as a player who cannot be depended on to handle his responsibilities for his team.
He has been fortunate enough to play on two of the NBA’s most potential-laden squads of the last two seasons, yet both teams have flamed out early in the playoffs, and Simmons has been one reason why.
The Louisiana State University product seems to be an enigma wrapped up in a mystery.
Simmons Is Dripping With Talent
Many felt that Simmons could become a player reminiscent of LeBron James when he entered the pros.
At 6-foot-11 and 240 pounds, he has been blessed with an uncommon combination of height, size, strength, speed, and overall athleticism.
Simmons is a terror in the open court, as he is adept at pushing the ball, hitting the open man and finishing strong.
Ben Simmons in the open court >>> pic.twitter.com/o3I0IdOCxf
— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) December 25, 2019
He also is a good rebounder, allowing him to start the fast break himself, which is always an advantage.
The Aussie native is also considered one of the NBA’s truly elite defenders, and he was discussed as a candidate for last year’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
Ben Simmons open-court defense on Luka Doncic. pic.twitter.com/yfbi9pUkWx
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) October 5, 2018
Not many players are able to lockdown the reigning MVP like this. Stellar defense from Ben Simmons. pic.twitter.com/x8KrQTNSuF
— Harrison Grimm (@Harrison_Grimm) March 18, 2021
He has the ability to be a catalyst for the Brooklyn Nets next season and transform their defense, which most agree was their biggest weakness this year.
A Human Question Mark
Last season, Simmons was a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, who finished with the top record in the Eastern Conference.
Many felt the Sixers had a great chance of reaching the NBA Finals and winning the world championship, but instead, they fell in the second round of the playoffs to the Atlanta Hawks after losing Game 5 and Game 7 at home.
Afterward, head coach Doc Rivers was asked if he thought Simmons could be the point guard on a championship team, and he gave what seemed like a neutral, non-provocative answer.
Doc Rivers answers a question whether Ben Simmons can be the point guard of a championship team pic.twitter.com/8xL35u98RC
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) June 21, 2021
Simmons seemingly took it as an insult, and he soon demanded a trade.
Superstar teammate Joel Embiid tried to reach out to him, but he refused to talk to the big man, setting off a huge scandal that was created out of thin air.
He held himself out of training camp, reporting only for a brief period that ended with Rivers throwing him out of practice.
After that, Simmons went back to isolating himself from the Sixers organization, which responded by fining him millions of dollars.
His camp then claimed that he had mental health issues.
It seemed like a solution had been reached when Philly traded Simmons to the Nets for James Harden and filler, but he didn’t suit up for them at all this year, citing a back injury and continued mental health problems.
By large, the public has been left with a bad taste in its mouth regarding Simmons.
Who knows if this story could linger or even become larger by training camp this fall?
NEXT: Should Steve Nash Be Fired After The Nets Were Swept?