Last February, the Brooklyn Nets decided to change things up when they traded James Harden for former polarizing Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons. They hoped that Simmons would stabilize their team amidst a disappointing campaign. Unfortunately, due to injuries, Simmons never played a game.
That meant the Nets’ season opener against the Pelicans on Wednesday night was Simmons’ official debut with Brooklyn. How did it go? It probably couldn’t have gone worse for a player known for his versatility as a Swiss Army Knife.
In 23 minutes, Simmons recorded:
- Four points (he only took three shots!)
- Five boards
- Five assists
- Three turnovers
Oh, and Simmons fouled out with 9:01 left in the fourth quarter! (Note: Plus, all night long, Zion Williamson (25 points) generally had his way with Simmons.)
As Brooklyn struggled in a 130-108 blowout loss, it probably could’ve used him down the stretch. It’s a long season, but Simmons will definitely have to pick it up if he’s going to be a big part of Brooklyn’s overall dynamic.
NBA fans ruthlessly roasted Simmons for his awful debut with the Nets
Nets fans looking at Ben Simmons fouling out with just four points pic.twitter.com/bEhksFbRDB
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 20, 2022
Ben Simmons after scoring 4 points and fouling out in a blowout loss in his Nets regular season debut pic.twitter.com/3Do7HNKJhh
— Dunk League (@DunkLeague) October 20, 2022
In a shocking development, the Nets' halfcourt offense looks pretty bad with both Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton in the starting lineup.
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) October 19, 2022
Ben Simmons about to check the Nets employee portal to see how many PTO days he accrued after this game
— Ledbetter Luka (@Nictheegr8) October 20, 2022
Nets replaced this dude with Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/m1BcJAQD5M
— 4kTrae (1-0) (@NSC_Hawks) October 20, 2022
The Brooklyn Nets really thought Ben Simmons was their final piece to the puzzle. 😭😭😭
— TatumMuse (@TatumMuse0) October 20, 2022
The best takes and the sharpest bets on all the hoops storylines you need to know. Sign up for our Layup Lines newsletter, hitting your inbox on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Don’t talk yourself into Ben Simmons. That wasn’t a 1 off and you know it wasn’t.
Nets tho for another year are just incredibly light. No real punch or physicality on either end. Their biggest problem imo
— Jamal Cristopher (@JamCristopher) October 20, 2022
Rumor has it Nets fans are requesting James Harden back for Ben Simmons 😂😂😂
— RB (@RBPhillyTake) October 20, 2022
Nets fans after seeing Ben Simmons Open Gym clips all year pic.twitter.com/y63OpSms8U
— َ (@PippenSZN) October 20, 2022
Ben Simmons fouled out and Kyrie got a tech for clapping 😂 Nets falling apart already #NBA
— Kevyn Witt ⛈🌊 (@KevynWitt) October 20, 2022
Ben Simmons fouled out in 23 minutes and only took 3 shots? I bet twitter has been nice to him tonight.
— TS: dirk41steph30 (@dirk41steph30) October 20, 2022
