Ben Simmons has been one of the biggest enigmas in the NBA, as he came into the league with plenty of natural talent, but hasn’t been able to tap into that talent for multiple reasons.
He was the No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft, but injuries and a trade controversy he created out of thin air have rendered him a mere role player today with the Brooklyn Nets.
Last season, he was diagnosed with a nerve condition in his back that required surgery, and he admitted on the “Old Man and the Three” podcast that he thought about retiring during his rehab, per Legion Hoops.
“There were times, last summer, when I was like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this. I might have to stop playing.’”
Ben Simmons says he contemplated retirement while recovering from back surgery:
“There were times, last summer, when I was like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this. I might have to stop playing.’”
(via @OldManAndThree) pic.twitter.com/XO28R8TnF8
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 24, 2025
Simmons missed what would’ve been his rookie season with a foot injury, but over the next four seasons, he flashed his potential and made three straight All-Star teams.
He had no ability or willingness to take or make shots from outside the paint, but he had lots of open court ability and passing skills, and he developed into a very good defender, which led many to believe that if he became even an average perimeter shooter, he could become at least a borderline superstar.
But after his Philadelphia 76ers lost Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals at home, he demanded a trade and cut off almost all contact with the team.
Months later, he was traded to the Nets, but he started having back problems and missed the rest of the season.
Since being sent to the Nets nearly three years ago, he has played in a total of just 87 games for Brooklyn.
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