Thursday morning marked the end of the 2023-24 season for Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets.
Once again, an injury has gotten in Simmons’ way and he will now miss the rest of the season because of a lower back injury.
The news, reported by Legion Hoops and many other outlets, was met with a very similar response all across the internet.
Ben Simmons' season has come to an end due to his lower back injury.
He only played 15 games 😕 pic.twitter.com/5XI53DrHZA
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 7, 2024
The vast majority of social media users weren’t too shocked by the news of Simmons’ injury.
Many of them said that it was time to hang up his jersey, not just for 2023-24, but forever.
“He needs to retire honestly,” one user said and many others echoed that sentiment.
He needs retire honestly
— ɪᴍ.ʀɪʟᴇʏ シ ✞ ☘️ (@CookedByRiley0) March 7, 2024
Just retire at this point.
— Clegainz (@clegainz) March 7, 2024
Damn, who could have seen this coming
— Joe Gilpin (@SprawlDontLie) March 7, 2024
Yeah Ben Simmons’ career may just be done
— Ball Knower (@knowerofallball) March 7, 2024
Simmons only played 15 games this season, averaging just 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists during those games.
This follows last season when Simmons was only on the court for 42 games.
And, of course, the season before that, he didn’t play a single game due to a holdout issue with the Philadelphia 76ers and other lower back issues.
Simmons cannot stay healthy and when he is, he isn’t playing like the player he used to be.
There are a number of questions revolving around Simmons as he makes his way for the exit yet again.
Will he ever play like he used to and will he do so with the Nets?
There is genuine talent in Simmons, which is why he was the No. 1 overall draft pick back in 2016.
But after his Rookie of the Year season, things have declined in a number of ways for the Nets star.
He has earned a bad reputation as someone who can’t play well and can’t stay healthy and that’s tainted fans’ opinions of him.
Every time Simmons has a chance to redeem himself and change public perception, something gets in the way.
NEXT: Nets Get Unfortunate Injury Update On Ben Simmons