57 Assists in 8 Games! Ben Simmons Proves His Worth in a Contract Year

Ben Simmons has always been a polarizing figure in the NBA, and his journey with the Brooklyn Nets has been anything but smooth. The latest chapter saw Simmons sidelined with a calf strain, causing him to miss the Nets’ recent 114-139 blowout loss to the Boston Celtics. Ironically, despite the game featuring extended garbage time, promising young talent Choi Yong-hee was left glued to the bench.

Thankfully for Simmons, the injury scare turned out to be minor. According to journalist Lewis, an MRI on Simmons’ left calf showed no structural issues, and he has already returned to practice. Nets officials have confirmed that Simmons is set to return in the upcoming game against the Knicks.

The relief is palpable, especially in light of Simmons’ precarious career trajectory. At just 28 years old—arguably the prime of a basketball player’s career—Simmons faces the daunting challenge of proving he belongs in the league, especially with his contract year looming large.

Injury History: A Career in Jeopardy

Simmons’ tenure with the Nets has been riddled with setbacks. Since being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to Brooklyn in early 2022, his availability has been abysmal. Simmons missed his first season entirely, played in 42 games in his second season, and suited up for just 15 games in his third. So far this season, he’s played in only eight games, bringing his total to a meager 65 games over nearly three years.

This lack of availability has left a sour taste in the mouths of many fans and analysts. Simmons, once heralded as the “next LeBron James,” has seen his offensive prowess and confidence evaporate. Since joining the Nets, Simmons has averaged fewer than 7 points per game each season, with just five shot attempts per game. His scoring has all but disappeared, and questions about his commitment to improving his game have only grown louder.

Simmons’ Strengths: Playmaking and Defense

Despite his offensive struggles, Simmons continues to demonstrate elite playmaking and defensive capabilities. In under 25 minutes per game this season, he is averaging a team-high 7.1 assists. Across eight games, he has racked up an impressive 57 assists, boasting an assist-to-turnover ratio of 47.1%, the highest in the league. His assist rate of 43.5% ranks fourth league-wide, underscoring his exceptional vision and passing.

Defensively, Simmons remains a versatile and disruptive presence. His ability to guard multiple positions and his instinct for reading the game make him an asset on that end of the floor. While he may no longer be the offensive force many envisioned, his playmaking and defensive skills keep him valuable to any roster willing to take a chance on him.

A Contract Year with Major Implications

This season carries immense stakes for Simmons. With his contract expiring next summer, the pressure is on to stay healthy and prove he can still contribute meaningfully in the NBA. While it’s unlikely he’ll ever command a max contract again, a consistent, healthy season could ensure he lands another deal.

Simmons’ situation is a cautionary tale about the unpredictability of professional sports. Once a rising star who earned All-Star selections by his second season, he was seen as a future cornerstone of any franchise. Now, just a few years later, he is fighting to remain in the league.

The Weight of Expectations

When Simmons entered the NBA, he was often compared to LeBron James. The parallels were clear: both are 6'9" point forwards with an incredible basketball IQ, elite passing ability, and physical dominance. For a time, Simmons seemed poised to follow in James’ footsteps, especially after being named Rookie of the Year and earning All-Star nods early in his career.

Yet, while LeBron continues to defy Father Time at nearly 40 years old, Simmons has seen his career trajectory stall. At just 28, he’s already battling to maintain his place in the league, a stark reminder of how unpredictable and unforgiving professional sports can be.

Can Simmons Rewrite His Narrative?

Despite the challenges, Simmons’ story isn’t over. His youth and remaining skill set give him a chance to turn things around. If he can stay healthy for the remainder of the season and continue to excel in playmaking and defense, he could carve out a role as a valuable role player.

Still, the days of Simmons being viewed as a franchise cornerstone or a LeBron successor are long gone. His future in the NBA will likely hinge on his willingness to embrace a new identity—a selfless facilitator and defensive specialist who contributes without needing to dominate the ball.

For now, Simmons has a golden opportunity to silence his critics in this contract year. Whether he succeeds or not, his journey will remain a fascinating subplot in the NBA’s ever-evolving narrative.