Обсуждение участника:Simmons Plans To Join Brooklyn Next Season In 'Worst Contract in Existence'
Brooklyn can't let go of Simmons.
The New York Post, a local U.S. media outlet, reported on the 12th (Korea time) on the Brooklyn Nets' plans for next season.
According to the news, "There is no indication that Brooklyn will acquire Ben Simmons and release him as a free agent. Rather, Simmons is expected to be a part of Brooklyn again next season."
Simmons, who was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, was a highly anticipated player. With an impressive body size of 208 cm, tremendous athletic ability, and passing abilities reminiscent of LeBron James and Magic Johnson. He was also recognized as a very accomplished defender and as a superstar to lead the NBA in the future.
Although his growth was not as high as expected, Simmons has grown into a quality player. He is a key face of the Philadelphia revival and has grown into a handsome star representing the NBA. His skills have also naturally developed into an All-Star Game player.
Simmons' problem was shooting. A weak shooter since college, Simmons didn't improve on the NBA stage, eventually holding him back in the 2020-2021 NBA playoffs.
Simmons, of course, did not have a three-point shot, but he was targeted by the opposing team as his free throw success rate was the worst at 34.2%. Whenever he threw a free throw, his mind shook noticeably, which was the main culprit of his elimination from Philadelphia.
Simmons has since disappeared with a back injury, eventually being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in place of James Harden at the NBA trade deadline for the 2021-2022 season.
Brooklyn threw one-two punch at Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, and was considered a strong offense. Simmons was evaluated as supporting the two players and becoming the center of defense. However, he disappeared in Brooklyn, too. This time, his back injury was the cause. As a result, Brooklyn also suffered humiliation as it was blocked by the Boston Celtics and was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
In the 2022-2023 season, when he was expected to return in good health, he played only 42 games due to injury, and when he came out, he also showed poor performance. It seems clear that his skills have declined due to injury.
It has been the same this season. Simmons appeared in only 15 games, averaging 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. His sense of pass and rebounding ability is still alive, but it is disappointing compared to his heyday. His weaknesses of 3-pointers and free throws have remained the same. Now it seems unreasonable to expect Simmons to revive his performance.
The problem is that Simmons' contract expires next season. Simmons will also receive a huge salary of $40 million in the 2024-2025 season.
Of course, the trade is not easy. No team will be able to accept Simmons, who has lost his skills and is in an advantageous position. After all, Brooklyn has no choice but to accept it.
For Brooklyn, Simmons is a sore finger because Simmons is the opponent of Harden, who was acquired from the Houston Rockets at a high price.
The failure to recruit Simmons has dealt a devastating blow to Brooklyn's future.