Is it fair to criticize Ben Simmons?

[Roy H.]

Celtics fans, Philly fans, Nets fans...  they're all dumping on Ben Simmons.  He's fragile, he's weak, the Nets got played, etc., etc.

And, frankly, I'm right there with those fans:  mental toughness is a necessary skill for an athlete.  I wouldn't want him on our team, just like I didn't want Kyrie on the team after he showed himself to be a giant distraction despite his talent.

But, is there another side of this?  Do we sympathize with Simmons due to his mental health issues?  Is this at all comparable to Simone Biles, who was generally lauded for walking away from her team in the middle of the Olympics?

[Moranis]

Is Simmons actually hurt?  Does Simmons actually have mental health issues?

Unless you know the answers to those questions, I do think it is unfair to criticize him for his time in Brooklyn.  That said, it is absolutely fair to question his play in game 7 (and earlier in that series) last year though.  He did not deliver when his team needed him to.

[gift]

On a personal level, yes, I think there should be more empathy for Ben. He's had a rough year or so, personally and professionally. Some of it completely beyond his control, some of it completely his fault.

However, dealing with the mental health challenges of another person doesn't have a clear road map. For example, maybe sometimes it is better to encourage an performer to take a break. Other times, pushing through a performance might be the exact thing that is best for the person. People don't always do what is best. So it's fair to say some people who "take a break" are making the wrong decision. Fans never know the answers, but it's sort of the nature of their relationship with the performers to express their opinions about it anyway.

[timpiker]

None of us has any idea IF he really has mental health issues.  And none of us has any idea if he's really just another lazy bum.  But since he's not on my team, I choose to believe he's a lazy wuss.  Wuss, snowflake,,,same thing.

[scaryjerry]

I sympathize with mental health, but do you think celtics players don’t deal with it on some level? You think I or other normal 9-5 people don’t struggle with it everyday and still have to work?
Yes completely fair to criticize him.

[moiso]

Of course it's fair to criticize him.  Two teams, no games played.  No real interest shown.  All the practice footage I've seen is Simmons loafing around.  His people kept giving false information to the media.  I don't think he ever intended to play this year.  And then attention seeking on the bench with his choice of seating location and goofy outfits with sunglasses.  Plenty to criticize.

[Phantom255x]

Yes.

This dude filed a grievance to collect 20M that PHI withheld from him before the trade due to Simmons not playing in games and holding out. Then he dresses like that in Game 3 on the sideline while his team is down 2-0 and is fighting for their lives, then conveniently doesn't even show up to the arena in Game 4 due to "back issues" and "mental hurdles" that just started back up.

He has no sympathy from me. Mental health is a very important thing and Ben is making a mockery of it for those actually struggling or dealing with it. Why didn't Ben mention any of this or his back issues when the reporters were interviewing him a bunch over the last few days? He sounded fine then.

A caller on sports radio yesterday said this and it made me laugh, "has there ever been anyone in NBA history who quit on not one, but two teams in the SAME season" (in this case, PHI and BKN) 

[Kiorrik]

Not really to be quite honest.

I mean, I join in the fun because I too am a bit of a lousy human being, but let's be fair; we do NOT know his situation.

Fair to say he's not like other athletes though. And he at the very least lacks the mental toughness to communicate properly about his status.

Herniated discs can be incredibly hindering. He might just actually be in too much pain, and fairly not wanting to risk it for literally nothing.

[RJ87]

Yes.

This dude filed a grievance to collect 20M that PHI withheld from him before the trade due to Simmons not playing in games and holding out. Then he dresses like that in Game 3 on the sideline while his team is down 2-0 and is fighting for their lives, then conveniently doesn't even show up to the arena in Game 4 due to "back issues" and "mental hurdles" that just started back up.

He has no sympathy from me. Mental health is a very important thing and Ben is making a mockery of it for those actually struggling or dealing with it. Why didn't Ben mention any of this or his back issues when the reporters were interviewing him a bunch over the last few days? He sounded fine then.

A caller on sports radio yesterday said this and it made me laugh, "has there ever been anyone in NBA history who quit on not one, but two teams in the SAME season" (in this case, PHI and BKN)

This is exactly how I feel. His "mental health issues" didn't pop up until Doc said he didn't know if Ben was the right PG for that Sixers team. As someone who deals with anxiety and depression, what Ben is doing right now is insulting. I feel 0 sympathy for him on any level.

[GreenlyGreeny]

I think it’s fair to criticize his history of poor playoff performances. We do not know the situation since last year, though. The dude may very well have mental health issues. I mean, did you see him on the sideline in game three? Wearing sunglasses indoors while dressed like he’s auditioning for the Joker role in the next Batman? Perhaps best we just leave Ben alone, be grateful our team is amazing, and move on?

[Smartacus]

If I'm a Brooklyn fan, the most useful mindset that the fanbase could have would be to prop Ben up with positivity and trust.

I am excited about the concept of what the team will look like next year with Simmons in a full training camp playing next to 2 of the the most skilled players of their position. I never viewed the trade as being made for this year, I am interested in what Simmons can bring to this team for the long haul.

But trust is a 2 way street.

For the fanbase to trust Ben you have to hope that he's locked himself in the gym and committed himself to making the next season the best of his career. He should want blow everyone away next year, not wallow in his sadness. Take charge of your life, you've gotten away from Philly now go make Brooklyn your home.

I think there are a couple of things that could help him do that.

1. For one thing, it would be nice if he chose to start dressing like an adult. Burn this outfit and fire whoever told you it was a good idea to wear it.



The ridiculous clothing aside, he does not come across someone who is comfortable in his own skin. It takes a certain level of confidence to dress like that that Simmons just does not currently possess. Turn down the flash, rededicate yourself to the craft, and leave your childhood behind.

2. Practice with your teammates. Go travel to where Durant or Kyrie is held up. Organize pickup games with the role players. Pick Nash's brain whenever you get the chance. Develop chemistry before the season so your not playing catch up when it starts.

3. Engage the community in a humble way. Sure you'll get jeers but in general pass yourself off as someone who is here to make the positive impact in the community. Make some brief appearances and then get back in the gym.

As someone who has dealt with plenty of mental health issues, IMO the best cure for poor mental health is not to be coddled but to rise up and take responsibility for yourself. No one can pull you along 24/7, you need to build yourself up for any hope of lasting change.

[tonydelk]

Is Simmons actually hurt?  Does Simmons actually have mental health issues?

Unless you know the answers to those questions, I do think it is unfair to criticize him for his time in Brooklyn.  That said, it is absolutely fair to question his play in game 7 (and earlier in that series) last year though.  He did not deliver when his team needed him to.

Mental illness is real but unfortunately there are people all the time that take advantage of using this for their benefit.  Years past Mental Health was left unchecked and you could not get support.  Now in today's age this is something that is at the forefront.  I am not a doctor so it's not for me to judge this guy and if his claims have truth.  He's getting a lot of unfair treatment.

If you want to talk about his choke job last year then fine.  He choked.  Ben's a great player but right now he's getting a lot of harsh criticism.  If he wasn't going to come back b4 the playoffs he should have been shut down.  The team did not do him any service putting their hope on him.  The media and fans are trashing this guy like he would have won the series by himself if he came back down 3-0.  Maybe he was going to play at 80% if it was 2-1.  No reason to rush it down 3-0.

[Vermont Green]

Celtics fans, Philly fans, Nets fans...  they're all dumping on Ben Simmons.  He's fragile, he's weak, the Nets got played, etc., etc.

And, frankly, I'm right there with those fans:  mental toughness is a necessary skill for an athlete.  I wouldn't want him on our team, just like I didn't want Kyrie on the team after he showed himself to be a giant distraction despite his talent.

But, is there another side of this?  Do we sympathize with Simmons due to his mental health issues? Is this at all comparable to Simone Biles, who was generally lauded for walking away from her team in the middle of the Olympics?

On Simone Biles, due to the nature of her sport, if she loses her nerve for a fraction of a second, she could land on her head and literally die or be seriously injured.  If Simmons loses his nerve for a second, he misses a free throw.  So I don't think it is fair to try and compare these two in that regard.

Having said that, I do feel that Simmons has real mental health issues.  I do not think it is fair to criticize him for that but is it fair to criticize how he handled the situation from the start.  Simone Biles had issues and she dealt with them in a more direct, mature, and forthright manner.  That is what she was "lauded" for.  Not saying that dealing with this type of thing is easy or the path is clear, but it is hard to conclude that Simmons dealt with the issue overall in a proper way or in the best way.  And certainly not a mature way.

I will add that this is not all on Simmons.  I don't think either team really knew how to deal with the mental health aspect of this.  The teams could have done more to "treat" him (assuming Simmons was open to being treated).  But Simmons mishandled this from the start.  He probably got bad advice but he picked his agent.  At this point, there is a whole lot to unwind in Simmons head.  He has a lot of work to do and we shall see if he is willing to do it.

[jbpats]

I sympathize with mental health, but do you think celtics players don’t deal with it on some level? You think I or other normal 9-5 people don’t struggle with it everyday and still have to work?
Yes completely fair to criticize him.

This - Simmons didn't have any problems until he missed a layup and doc called him out on it. Guy is soft

[Phantom255x]

I'd just like to add, Simmons has now quit on LSU, Philadelphia AND Brooklyn over his career.

He even passed up on playing for the Australian National Team in the 2021 Olympics to "work on his game" but then we found out he spent a good chunk of time vacationing with others.