The NBA is a brutal league. After earning your laurels in 100s of games, the fanbase can lambast you for recurring issues triggered by various external factors. One such example is Ben Simmons. A Three-Time All-Star and Two-Time All-Defensive First Team member, he has drawn the wrath of the NBA world. His ugly departure from the 76ers is what has brought on this criticism. 

However, the defensive phenom has remained positive about his future.

Ben Simmons has been heavily criticized

The Guard had a fallout with the 76ers in 2021 and didn’t even play in a single NBA game during the 2021-22 season. He wanted out of there after a rather underwhelming showing in the 2021 playoffs against the Hawks. His missed free-throws and constant urge to pass open shots earned him the wrath of his own teammate Joel Embiid.

Therefore, he preferred not to play. This decision didn’t sit well with analysts and fans alike, Charles Barkley being one of his prominent critics. Last season, when he did play, his scoring average halved and his reluctance as an offensive aggressor came in the limelight again.

Therefore, many NBA loyalists believe that his career is done and we may not seen even a glimpse of Ben Simmons who was one of the defensive stoppers and a multi-purpose floor general.

However, the Guard remains determined. Talking to ESPN Andscape the Guard revealed, ”I’m excited because I know I can do it. So, that’s the exciting part for me. I’m like, ‘Yo, let’s get back in the gym.’ I’m excited. I get to do something I love to do at a high level”. 

READ MORE: Former 76ers Star Blames Coaching for Ben Simmons’ Downfall, Not the Famous Meltdown Against Trae Young and Co

It’s clear that the Guard still enjoys the game and is still enthusiastic about being a contributor. He also reminded everyone about his resume.

Simmons is not done yet

The Guard continued, ”Regardless of what people say, I’m a three-time All-Star, All-NBA player, Defensive Team. I’ve done things. I’m not somebody that hasn’t done anything. But at the end of the day, that’s what you want to do. You want to go out and compete against the best in the world and be one of the best.”

It is clear that he hasn’t given up yet. And why should he? He is still just 27 and has a young team alongside him. Having another defensive stopper in Mikal Bridges, whose offensive game took a leap last season, means he can cook up something special with the Brooklyn Nets.

Do you think we will see the rejuvenation of Simmons?

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