History Repeats Itself: Ben Simmons still requires a babysitter, yet none of his teammates seem willing to do the job
History has a funny way of repeating itself. Almost exactly a year ago, on October 19th 2021, Joel Embiid sat in front of a jam packed media session in Camden New Jersey and told reporters that he was not here to babysit Ben Simmons.
The national media then proceeded to place blame on Embiid, saying that he threw Ben Simmons under the bus for making those comments. Now, nearly a full calendar year later, Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant basically made the same statement.
Kevin Durant on Ben Simmons
We now have two different star players in a year claiming they are not here to babysit another grown man. So what does that tell you?
Kevin Durant and Joel Embiid both receive a lot of scrutiny from the national media and social media alike, but their talent levels and dedication to the game are unmatched. Both are franchise cornerstones and arguably the best at their respective positions in the NBA.
When either of them speak, the world listens.
Look, we know this story here in Philadelphia. We have witnessed it time and time again with Ben Simmons and now, the Brooklyn Nets are getting a taste. Nothing is going to change.
Simmons New and Improved Jumpshot
I actually feel bad for Ben Simmons. It seems he can’t ever do anything to help himself. There’s no way this guy air-balled a jumper inside the free-throw line. That on top of having a miserable preseason, you wonder how much Simmons will be able to take during his NBA career.
I watched this video several times, and after further notice, Durant watches the ball soar through the air in the corner of his eye. His smile quickly fades as he decides to dribble a basketball and look down at his feet.
That elbow flares out more than it ever has. Simmons has somehow gotten even worse at shooting. Luckily for him, that will be masked on a Brooklyn Nets team with many excellent perimeter players.
The entire Brooklyn Nets franchise is a walking time bomb. Durant could request a trade any day, Kyrie Irving may disappear for God knows what, and Steve Nash, well, he’s the Jason Garrett of the NBA.
The irony is that Steve Nash would probably be the perfect guy to babysit Ben Simmons. Nash led the league in assists and free throw percentage at various points in his career. That would be a start at improving Simmons’s issues. I highly doubt that would do the trick, though.
Mandatory Credit: Getty Images
