After Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant left the Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons had high expectations set for him to perform well. However, he once again found himself on the sidelines, unable to help his team, due to an injury combined with underwhelming performances. Shaquille O’Neal, who has previously thrown shade at the Nets point guard, took to his Instagram story to call him out once again.
Shaq expressed his disappointment in Simmons for not showing up on the NBA hardwood despite being paid so much. He added that Simmons is not a hard-working player, which is why he doesn’t hesitate to point out his flaws. During an interview with Bleacher Report, O’Neal said that he can understand if Simmons has anxiety shooting free throws, but he questions whether Simmons still experiences anxiety when he is not playing and sitting on the bench surrounded by $300,000 worth of chains, Gucci, big rings, and other luxurious items.
Shaquille O'Neal takes yet another shot at Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/VpanY4K7Wy
— Dubs pls get some Bigs (@dubs3000) March 8, 2023
Simmons’ injury has kept him out of the game, and there is no update on his timeline for a return. While he has been out, other players like Spencer Dinwiddie, Cam Johnson, Mikal Bridges, Seth Curry, and Nic Claxton have been fighting hard to secure their place in the postseason. The Brooklyn Nets are currently holding onto the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, thanks to their three-game winning streak.
Will Simmons’ Return Boost Brooklyn Nets’ Chances?
Simmons has appeared in 42 games for the Brooklyn Nets, averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game in 26.3 minutes of action. Fans of the team are eager to see Simmons return to the court, hoping that he will be able to contribute and improve their chances of making it to the playoffs.
Simmons’ underwhelming performances, combined with his injury, have brought about criticism from fans and personalities in the NBA world, with Shaq being one of the most vocal critics. O’Neal has repeatedly slammed Simmons for making constant excuses and not showing up for his team.
It remains to be seen whether Simmons will be able to make a significant contribution to the Brooklyn Nets, especially given his injury history and recent performances. However, fans are still hopeful that Simmons can step up his game and help lead the team to success.
