As the NBA gears up for the 2024-25 season, one name is once again at the center of offseason speculation—Ben Simmons. After years of battling injuries and underperformance, Simmons’ trainer, Chris Brickley, has boldly claimed that the three-time All-Star is ready to make a triumphant return to form. But NBA fans? They aren’t so convinced.
Simmons’ Struggles Since His Last All-Star Season
Once hailed as one of the most versatile players in the NBA, Ben Simmons’ career has been overshadowed by injuries and inconsistency over the past few seasons. Since sitting out the 2021-22 season with a back injury, Simmons has struggled to remain on the court, appearing in only 57 of a possible 164 games in the last two seasons. Even when he has played, Simmons has yet to showcase the dominance that once made him a star in Philadelphia.
With Simmons heading into the 2024-25 season following yet another injury-plagued year, his trainer has come forward with a fresh prediction that has sparked a familiar debate among fans. In a recent workout, Chris Brickley claimed that Simmons is “back to playing All-Star talent level basketball.”
For long-time followers of Simmons’ career, however, these words ring hollow.
Fan Reactions: “Same Lie, Different Year”
It’s safe to say NBA fans aren’t buying the hype. Comments flooded social media after Brickley’s statement, with many feeling like they’ve heard this story before.
“We’ve heard this over the last three comments. Right on cue,”
remarked one fan, pointing to the familiar cycle of offseason optimism that has surrounded Simmons for years. Another fan posted a viral “Ben Simmons Cycle” chart, illustrating the repetitive nature of his injury recoveries followed by underwhelming performances.
“Every offseason it’s a fake bounce-back season for Ben Simmons,”
said another, echoing the sentiments of fans who feel that Simmons’ return to top form has become a broken promise.
In recent years, critics have grown increasingly vocal, often questioning his motivation and dedication to the game. One particularly harsh comment said,
“Same lie, just another year. How is this lazy guy still in the league?”
The skepticism comes from a place of frustration. Simmons, once lauded for his potential, now finds himself as a perennial underachiever in the eyes of many fans.
A Career Defined by Injuries
To truly understand why NBA fans are so hesitant to believe in a Simmons comeback, one must look at the numbers. After sitting out the entire 2021-22 season with a back injury, Simmons returned to the court for the Brooklyn Nets in 2022-23, but it was far from the redemption arc fans were hoping for. He played in just 42 games that season, struggling with both back and knee injuries, and averaged career lows across the board.
The 2023-24 season was even worse, as Simmons played just 15 games. Averaging 6.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, Simmons failed to regain the form that once made him a defensive powerhouse and elite playmaker.
Simmons’ limited impact on the court, combined with his declining shooting ability—often cited by fans as a major weakness—has left many wondering if he’ll ever get back to the All-Star level he once displayed in Philadelphia.
Will 2024-25 Be Any Different?
While the skepticism is understandable, Ben Simmons does have a chance to silence the critics in the upcoming NBA season. Simmons has been working diligently throughout the offseason to recover from his lingering injuries and regain his athleticism. And while fan expectations are at an all-time low, this might be the perfect environment for Simmons to stage an unexpected comeback.
The Brooklyn Nets, too, are in a rebuilding phase, and Simmons could prove to be a valuable asset if he can return to full health. For Simmons, this season is about more than just proving his trainer right; it’s about re-establishing his reputation as one of the league’s most versatile players.
Simmons’ Road to Redemption: A Long Shot?
Despite the doubts, there’s no denying that Simmons still has the potential to be a game-changer in the NBA. At his peak, he was a dynamic playmaker, an elite defender, and an unselfish teammate capable of influencing the game in multiple ways. But can he stay healthy long enough to make a significant impact?
For Simmons to truly prove the doubters wrong, he’ll need to show more than just flashes of his former self. He’ll need to sustain that high level of play for an entire season—a feat he hasn’t accomplished in years.
Cautious Optimism or Just Another Offseason Dream?
As NBA fans remain unconvinced by Brickley’s bold claims, it’s clear that Simmons’ reputation has suffered due to repeated injuries and unmet expectations. With fan patience running thin, Simmons enters the 2024-25 season with a lot to prove. This time, however, the hype feels more subdued, and the weight of past disappointments looms large over the Brooklyn Nets forward.
Whether or not Ben Simmons can turn the page and rediscover his All-Star form remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: The fans will believe it when they see it.
With the 2024-25 NBA season just around the corner, Simmons has one more chance to silence his critics and show the world that he still has what it takes to be a star.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.