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Brooklyn Nets fans, don’t forget, Ben Simmons is a superstar

ByDallin Duffy|
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 10: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 10, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 10: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets warms up before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 10, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Brooklyn Nets fans, don't forget, Ben Simmons is a superstar
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 24: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on against the Boston Celtics during the first half at Barclays Center on February 24, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Yes, Ben Simmons crumbled when his team needed him most. Yes, he went on to ghost his team for an entire offseason. Yes, he’s shown a stubborn lack of shooting improvement. Yes, he has an NFT profile picture (arguably his worst offense). But if you think that Simmons can’t raise the ceiling of the Brooklyn Nets, you’re as wrong as he was.

The negative conversation around Simmons has gone from a concerning subplot to the NBA’s top story. And, as these types of stories usually do (see Russell Westbrook), the narrative has officially gone too far.

Brooklyn Nets fans, don’t forget, Ben Simmons is a superstar

I’m not a Philadelphia 76ers fan. Nor am I an Australian, an LSU alum, or a Brooklyn fan. I have no ties to the man, but I’m here to defend Simmons the way Simmons defends his opponents.

Let’s start with the accolades. Simmons played four seasons in Philly. This is what his current resume looks like:

  • Rookie of the Year
  • Three-time All-Star
  • Two-time All-Defensive First Team
  • All-NBA Third Team (2019-20)

If that’s not enough, look how he performed in the voting results of just last season: second in Defensive Player of the Year voting (a year-long race between him and Rudy Gobert) and 12th in MVP voting (higher than LeBron James, James Harden (!!) and Kawhi Leonard).

He doesn’t shoot from deep. Ever. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t score. He boasts dominant dunks, a strong mid-range game, and is nearly impossible to defend in transition. He’s averaged a tick under 16 points per game for his career.

It’s hard, if not impossible, to defend his ugly exit with the 76ers. The young guard showed major immaturity with the way he acted and deserved the massive amount of boos (and sarcastic cheers) he received in Philly on Thursday night.

But his postseason meltdown shouldn’t get in the way of his play. He is one of three players (along with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kawhi Leonard) who can guard 1-5 and is one of the best passers in the league.

Nets fans should be ecstatic. He, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving (half of the time) should create one of the league’s top trios. No matter what Philadelphia fans say, the Nets aren’t a team anyone would want to face in the postseason. And a big part of that is because of Simmons.

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