It wasn’t the greatest outing for Ben Simmons when he took the hardwood for Brooklyn Nets in their season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Nets lost 108-130, and Simmons’ debut for the side saw him foul out after putting up 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Needless to say, fans were not too pleased with the guard’s performance.
New Orleans led for three quarters, and despite Kevin Durant’s 32 points, Brooklyn was forced to play catch-up for the majority of the game. Here’s what fans had to say when six fouls saw Simmons out.
I’m sorry but this man’s career is cooked at this rate https://t.co/si0QazW7SO
— TRIBAL THRASHER (@TribeAlive) October 20, 2022
There’s no defending this guy he’s not good https://t.co/i3wDyJmeZy
— Kenpachi (@_fredrick_zz) October 20, 2022
Its gonna be a long season man. https://t.co/jahOTZ5Kvm pic.twitter.com/kccBVIppww
— DSX🐝🇻🇨 (@DellStarX) October 20, 2022
this who the nets fans were crying for last year. https://t.co/z4OnUsU3Gw
— Jones (@lakerstjr) October 20, 2022
I’ve been this man just doesn’t want to play lol just collecting a check at this point https://t.co/qJQseRqxUP
— Black Steve (@stevekaneki) October 20, 2022
Jesus Christ! 😂 -26?!?! This is a professional basketball player bro https://t.co/yHM3oodgfe
— AB (@1AB910) October 20, 2022
He doesn’t move the same. Hopefully that back injury didn’t rob him of the athleticism. https://t.co/iVsHMLSLzC
— E jimson (@E_Jimmer) October 20, 2022
https://twitter.com/troy_mac11/status/1582911655465299969
Simmons will be out of the league in 2 years or less https://t.co/V3lwbwHLsQ
— JoshSadlock (@JoshSadlock) October 20, 2022
The most unserious player ever in the history of this sweet game https://t.co/hv7495nCo8
— Keenan (@fkavbvb) October 20, 2022
Ahh yes, their supposed key to beating the Celtics 👍🏼 https://t.co/YKcdl5ZBbl
— Mark (@MarkPiselli13) October 20, 2022
His teammate Kyrie Irving and coach Steve Nash were supportive of Simmons. The latter felt that the former Sixer was still ‘rusty’ and was also dealing with a lot off the court.
Kyrie Irving Defends Ben Simmons’ Forgettable Outing In Brooklyn Nets’ Season Opener
While social media took digs at Simmons, his teammate Kyrie Irving leaped to his defense. The Aussie attempted just three shots, missed two free throws, and ended up fouling out early in the fourth quarter.
Irving said he had spoken to Simmons and stayed clear of foul trouble. This is the second time the former Cavs guard came to his rescue, saying that it was all taken care of. Per a Daily Mail report:
“We told him in the locker room, he is a valuable piece for us and we need him out there and fouling out is not an option.”
He also added:
“Playing aggressive is something that we want him to do, but we also want him to play smart.”
Before the loss to the Pelicans, Simmons had last played in an NBA game on June 20 last year. The Philadelphia 76ers lost Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks, and the guard was slammed for not taking a shot that the side believed would have given them the edge.
The Sixers traded the 26-year-old to the Nets in February, but he missed the entirety of last season due to mental health issues and a back issue that needed surgery. The Nets will face off against the Toronto Raptors on Friday (October 21).
