Some traditions just never die.
On Saturday, the world was reminded of that fact again when yet another of Ben Simmons’ infamous workout videos went viral on Twitter.
The clip, as part of a larger video shot by the Brooklyn Nets, was admired by fans hoping to see Simmons return to his All-Star form. Of course, it also struck a nerve with many Twitter users, who were quick to downplay the whole thing as fools gold.
Working on the weekend. pic.twitter.com/VSOY7Ivf0e
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) April 10, 2022
Ok Ben 👀
(Via @BrooklynNets| h/t @AhnFireDigital) pic.twitter.com/5DGPV5YiHL
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 10, 2022
We applauding NBA players practicing now?
— ً (@HardenFinalsMVP) April 10, 2022
LMAOO NETS FANS GETTING EXCITED OVER THIS IS PURE COMEDY 😂😂😂
— dean 🦂 (@DeanScorpion_) April 10, 2022
https://twitter.com/heyltsmio/status/1512960604893552642https://twitter.com/01sleinadR/status/1512963031726268425
Ben simmons being recorded in a practice gym is a better player than prime jordan
— Kang (@ybnfazeasapkang) April 10, 2022
https://twitter.com/DenScorpioFTW/status/1512961600529080322
AND SO IT BEGINS 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
— Matt (@INMEnterprises) April 10, 2022
For those who aren’t aware, this is a yearly occurrence for Simmons.
As the weather gets warmer, a video makes its rounds online that shows the young star moving well and hitting long-distance shots. But when the “new” season starts, little to no improvement is shown in his game.
It’s a seemingly neverending cycle that many fans and analysts have taken note of already.
“Hey spice! I live in Philadelphia during the summer,” said Charles Barkley in response to a Simmons workout video back in 2021. “This is the third year in a row they put up their bullsh** jump shot during the summer. But this is so funny, you know, because I mean honestly, I’m in Philly all summer, so I get asked this question every day. This would be the third year in a row that he put up all these things during the summer, of him shooting a jump shot. I’m not falling for the banana in a tailpipe anymore. That’s exactly what it is.”
Simmons, 25, was drafted 1st overall in the 2016 Draft. He went on to miss the entirety of the following season before winning Rookie of the Year in his debut campaign in 2017-18. He blossomed into a star for the 76ers, proving his value as a playmaker, finisher, and defender.
Unfortunately, his game has lacked in one major area: shooting.
Despite his talent, Simmons has never developed a consistent jumper and has apparently worked on it summer after summer with no results.
After forcing his way to the Nets, the young stud finally has the clean start he’s been thirsting for since the 2021 playoffs. So far, he has not played a single game for his new team, only appearing on the sidelines and in practices.
At the very least, the fans should be encouraged he’s at least getting some reps in and working out with his teammates. That’s more than what was happening in Philadelphia. But don’t expect fans to believe in the development of his jumper until he proves it on the court.
