It is not entirely clear why, but something has been bothering Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets.
For the season, Simmons has posted 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists.
That’s a far cry from his 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists during his second season in the league back in 2018-19.
Beyond the numbers, Simmons seemingly hasn’t performed with drive or passion in months and at times often seems completely resigned and not interested in playing.
An anonymous eastern coach says the Wizards tried the ‘Hack-A-Ben’ method and….
(Via @SteveBHoop ) pic.twitter.com/D6tElMWqOl
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 22, 2023
An on-the-court tidbit from an anonymous Eastern Conference coach shared by Steve Bulpett, (as seen in the above tweet), shows just bad things have gotten with Simmons on the floor.
This coach noted a moment when Simmons and Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal got into it during a game.
Simmons, upset about being fouled repeatedly, said “I’m tired of you (expletives) fouling me on purpose, man.”
He then told Beal that he was going to sink a couple of free throws and wanted to bet five thousand dollars on it.
Beal’s response was telling: “You wanna make it 20?”
The coach went on to say that Simmons missed the first free throw and then didn’t say another word.
This shows a lot about Simmons’ current state: he is upset by how he is being treated and his skills have dwindled.
Some people say that Simmons’ heart isn’t in the game and others think that he is experiencing some sort of physical problem that he hasn’t disclosed.
But one thing is clear: he is not looking like the top overall draft pick he was back in 2016.
Has Simmons gotten in his own head and is there any way for him to climb out?
Nets fans sure hope so because he has become a very big part of the team’s lineup, for better or for worse.
NEXT: The Nets Make An Important Move For Their Future
