When it comes to former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons, there is no denying that his value as a player has fallen tremendously over the past few years. It’s gotten to a point now where former league GM Bobby Marks says his current worth is nothing more than a minimum contract in the NBA.
“If Simmons was a free agent this offseason, he’d get the minimum because he’s not reliable. That’s just the reality of it. What team out there, unless you’re going to sign him and put an injury protection clause in there that protects every part of his body, what team would go out there?”
Simmons has fallen far from his glory days in Philly. Since being traded a few years ago, Ben has only played in 48 games for the Nets and he’s been a shell of his former self on the court. With just two years remaining on his deal, Simmons is running out of time to rehabilitate his value and secure another long-term contract when he hits free agency.
What Happened In Philadelphia?
It can be easy to forget that Ben Simmons was once considered a top 15 player in the NBA. At the height of his run with the 76ers, he was an All-Star in the East averaging 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game on 56.3% shooting. He was touted for his expert-level defense, which was huge in helping the 76ers finish near the top in the standings year after year.
In the playoffs is where things got ugly for Simmons, and his inability to shoot the ball (or really do anything on the perimeter) was exposed to an unprecedented degree. The worst of it came in the 2021 playoffs when Simmons passed up an open layup under the rim due to a complete lack of confidence. At the end of the series, Ben was called out by his own coaches and teammates, who practically threw him under the bus to the media. The whole experience was enough for Ben to declare war on the 76ers, and that’s exactly what he did when he forced his way out via trade demand. Looking back, even Embiid admits that they never reached their true potential together.
The End Of The Line For Former Sixers Star
There was quiet optimism for Ben after his trade to the Nets, but it’s been more of the same from him over the past two seasons. Whether due to conditioning, “mental health” or various injuries, Simmons has barely seen the floor as a member of the Nets and when he has played, it’s been borderline embarrassing for him and his team. In Brooklyn, he’s averaging just 6.9 points per game and has built a reputation for himself as being the most unreliable star in the league.
Since he’s locked in until 2025, the Nets have no choice but to be patient with Simmons and follow his lead on a potential return to action. But no matter what happens between now and next summer, Simmons is going to be hard-pressed to find any team willing to offer a long-term contract. In fact, if Ben doesn’t show some signs of life here soon, he may never get another NBA contract again after this one finally expires.
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