Hoops Habit
Fansided

5 NBA players facing do-or-die 2023–2024 seasons

By Holden Walter-Warner

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas NBA Mavericks congratulates Luka Doncic #77 during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on March 24, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Kyrie Irving #2 of the Dallas NBA Mavericks congratulates Luka Doncic #77 during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at American Airlines Center on March 24, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
Jan 20, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) brings the ball up the court against the Utah Jazz in the first half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2023; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) brings the ball up the court against the Utah Jazz in the first half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA: G Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets

There may be no player in the entire associate facing a more critical season than Ben Simmons. He has seen his stock fall from superstar to burnout at a rapid pace. There may not be much time left to salvage his reputation.

At this point, much of the chronicle that is Simmons’ career has spilled out on the pages, but let’s do it again. He was a first-overall pick who missed his first entire season due to a foot injury, only to come back to win Rookie of the Year the following year. He quickly developed into a star with the game of a floor general and the body of a big man.

But his shooting woes came into sharper focus during the 2020-21 season, especially his free throw concerns during the playoffs. Some of his teammates and his coach started to turn on him, leading him to hold out and never play another game for the franchise.

He was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets in the middle of the 2021-22 season, but has struggled with injuries and has played just 42 games in his Nets tenure. During that time, he’s averaged 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, hitting a laughable 43.9 percent of his free throws.

At this point, the Nets would likely be happy with anything Simmons can give them for the coming season as they look to rebuild post-KD and Kyrie. Whether the 27-year-old has anything left to give is to be determined.

Simmons skipped the Basketball World Cup and rumors have floated that he hasn’t been cleared to play yet. His frequent injury absences are reminiscent of Lonzo Ball and Brandon Roy.

Next. Early MIP predictions. dark

For once, there aren’t too many eyes on Ben Simmons to open this season. That makes this his best opportunity to get his career going in forward motion again.