Offseason GOAT! Entering a Contract Year, Can You Still Believe in Ben Simmons?

Ben Simmons is at it again. Recently, Simmons has been flooding social media with pictures and videos of himself drenched in sweat during intense workouts. Whether in the gym or on the beach, the Australian star is showcasing his dedication. Simultaneously, Simmons' agent, Bernard Lee, has once again assured the public that Simmons will be back to 100% by the start of the new season. "Ben has been in Miami working on his rehab and getting ready for the upcoming season. He has moved past the rehab stage and started conditioning. He had his ups and downs, but now I can say he's in great shape and is expected to start the season at full strength."

This storyline and these promises sound all too familiar. The same narrative played out last year during the offseason. Simmons was constantly posting workout videos on social media, and during media day, he boldly declared that he was 100% recovered and aimed to return to All-Star form. His confident words were met with excitement, but the reality was disappointing. After playing just six games, Simmons was sidelined due to injury, missing two months. Upon his return, he played nine more games before getting injured again, ultimately ending his season prematurely.

Throughout the entire season, Simmons appeared in only 15 games, averaging 23.9 minutes per game with 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, shooting 58.1% from the field. On paper, these stats seem decent for under 24 minutes of play per game, showing his versatility with near triple-double averages. However, Simmons' glaring weaknesses overshadow his physical attributes, athleticism, defensive prowess, and playmaking skills. His lack of a jump shot, and more critically, his apparent lack of offensive desire, remain major issues.

But the biggest concern is his availability. In a sense, Simmons has become the NBA's greatest "con artist." Over the past three seasons, the former All-Star has played just 57 games, averaging 19 games per season, while collecting a staggering $106 million in salary, which breaks down to about $1.86 million per game. Comparing this to his draft class peer, Jayson Tatum, the 2023 NBA Finals MVP, who has played 540 regular-season games and 124 playoff games, almost double Simmons' total, highlights the disparity even more starkly.

Prominent commentator Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back in his recent critique of Simmons: "I have nothing against athletes. I won’t say they're faking injuries, but the only thing I want to say is, damn Ben Simmons is lucky he's not in jail for robbery. I don't think he trains; his dedication to basketball is zero. I know he can't shoot, but he's skilled in other aspects. He doesn’t like playing, doesn't like competing."

Smith continued, "I’m not saying he’s faking injuries. I’m talking about his attitude. Even before he got injured, he was already missing games, citing mental health issues. I criticize him because he makes sure to get his paycheck every two weeks. He always ensures he has money coming in, so don't get me started on him."

Simmons’ current image is one of a player who cares more about his earnings than his game. As Smith noted, Simmons does have legitimate back issues, but even before those, he was missing games for mental health reasons. Over the past two seasons, he has been in and out of the lineup, showing up in stylish suits during the regular season and sweating it out in training during the offseason. Honestly, no amount of training photos will change the public perception of his commitment.

In the few games he has played, there has been no visible improvement in his game. His shooting remains non-existent, and even his once-reliable hook shots near the basket have disappeared. The only improvement seems to be his skill in taking aesthetically pleasing photos, showcasing perfect compositions, lighting, and color schemes. Take a look at some of his recent posts—they are quite impressive.

When Simmons first entered the league, he quickly made a name for himself, earning three All-Star selections in his first four seasons, despite not having a jump shot. At the time, it was believed that if he could develop a shot, he could reach the heights of legends like LeBron James or Magic Johnson. However, years later, not only has Simmons failed to improve, but he has also managed to squander all the goodwill and potential people once saw in him. As someone who once viewed Simmons as the most promising player of his generation, his lack of progress is deeply disappointing. This situation underscores an important truth: talent alone is not enough; a competitive drive is crucial.

Notably, Simmons is entering a contract year, with his salary set at $40.4 million, equivalent to the combined salaries of Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, and Miles McBride. Brunson, for instance, will only surpass the $40 million mark in the 2027-28 season, highlighting how lucrative Simmons' contract is in comparison.

Given the financial stakes, one wonders if Simmons will put in more effort next season. However, considering his current level of play, it seems highly unlikely that he will return to All-Star form. If his performance mirrors the past two seasons, he might struggle to secure even a minimum contract next year. As for his offseason training and his agent’s bold claims, take them with a grain of salt—anyone who believes them is setting themselves up for disappointment.

The Cycle of Hype and Disappointment

Every offseason, the cycle of hype around Ben Simmons seems to restart. Social media posts and optimistic statements from his camp create a buzz, but the pattern of subsequent underperformance has become all too familiar. The narrative of Simmons working hard to bounce back has lost its impact, especially after repeated letdowns. Fans and analysts are now skeptical, with many taking a "wait and see" approach to any news about his recovery and readiness.

Financial Reality vs. On-Court Performance

The disparity between Simmons’ earnings and his on-court contributions has become a glaring issue. His massive contract, while justifiable based on his potential and early career performance, now seems like a significant overpayment given his recent track record. The fact that Simmons earns more in a single game than many players do in several weeks, despite his minimal impact, is a source of frustration for fans and a talking point for critics.

The Need for a Mindset Shift

What Simmons needs most is a mindset shift. His physical abilities are undeniable, but his approach to the game needs a drastic change. He must find a way to reignite his passion for basketball and address the mental blocks that have hindered his progress. Without this shift, no amount of physical training will translate to success on the court.

Hope for Redemption

While the skepticism is warranted, there remains a glimmer of hope for redemption. Simmons is still relatively young and has time to turn things around. If he can truly recover and demonstrate a renewed dedication to the game, he might still salvage his career and reputation. However, this requires more than just impressive training videos; it demands consistent performance and a visible commitment to improving his game.

Conclusion

Ben Simmons' journey in the NBA has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. From being hailed as a future superstar to becoming a symbol of unfulfilled potential, his career arc serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of both talent and mindset in professional sports. As he enters a crucial contract year, the pressure is on for Simmons to prove his doubters wrong and show that he can still be a valuable player in the league. Whether he can rise to the occasion remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: actions speak louder than words, and it's time for Simmons to let his game do the talking.