NBA Legend Charles Barkley Expresses Stern Concerns for Ben Simmons in Worrying News for Kevin Durant’s Nets
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The Charles Barkley commentary is here to stay. He joined Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal for TNT’s pre-game and half-time reports to provide candid announcements. Sometimes, it would be entertaining duels with Shaq. Other times, it would be more on a serious note. Ben Simmons was the topic of interest last night.
Charles Barkley didn’t mince words when it came to Simmons. “He needs a sports psychologist”, said Chuck. He said that it was not the “mental” that he focused on when recommending the psychologist, but to help Simmons get through his performances. According to Barkley, “he’s frozen on the court”.
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The NBA legend also said he had never been with a team that shouted to a player to shoot the ball. Barkley has been part of the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns, and the Philadelphia 76ers. He said that Simmons was not even looking at the basket.
It was on an NBA on TNT show that Barkley stated that Simmons was “mentally blocked”. He also said that it was concerning when an All-Star and a player that has potential like Simmons had to be benched.
"I think personally [Ben Simmons] needs a sports psychologist… Mentally, he's blocked right now."
— Charles Barkley#NBATwitter #NetsWorld pic.twitter.com/hsAF9psdGL
— 𝙏𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣’ 𝙉𝘽𝘼 (@_Talkin_NBA) November 16, 2022
Before the regular season commenced, the Brooklyn Nets pinned their hopes and dreams on winning the championship with the dream team. With Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Ben Simmons at its helm, the Nets thought they had a formula for success.
Kevin Durant is currently the only active member of the team. Kyrie Irving has been serving his suspension owing to his controversial post on social media.
Ben Simmons has gotten everyone worried
Furthermore, Ben Simmons’ health has hindered him from playing five games already. His left knee soreness coupled with his back rehabilitation has caused plenty of concern for the Nets.
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Charles Barkley was not the only one to suggest that Simmons need to work on his mental health. During the Dan Patrick Show, Jim Jackson referenced Ben Simmons as a “case study” for how mental health is crucial for any sports performance.
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Jackson compared the Ben Simmons from years ago to the current Simmons which had stark differences in his approach to the game. He said, “I think it’s gotten to him so much mentally that it’s built a block in his mind”. He emphasized that the game was mostly a mental game and Simmons has not been able to overcome that internal threshold.
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Watch This Story: Kyle Kuzma, Ben Simmons, and Other Players Who Had a Nightmare Performance During the 2021 NBA Playoffs
Charles Barkley’s recommendation of including a sports psychologist might put Ben Simmons back on track. Or at the most, back on the court. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.
Edited by:
Veer Badani