The Brooklyn Nets have been a competitive bunch during the 2024-25 NBA season, though they are still considered a bottom-dweller in the Eastern Conference.
The Nets are likely to miss the postseason, though that’s not a bad place to be considering the level of talent and star power at the top of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Brooklyn has an opportunity to kick-start its rebuilding process if it receives favorable results in the lottery.
In the meantime, the Nets will need to carefully evaluate their young players and determine which veterans they can trade for additional draft picks.
One player who’s been interesting to monitor is Ben Simmons, who is finally back on the court after missing large stretches of time over the years due to injuries.
Simmons can still impact games as a playmaker, rebounder and defender, though his scoring continues to leave much to be desired.
In a recent game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons blew a wide-open layup, play that’s now making the rounds on social media, via Erik Slater of ClutchPoints.
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 23, 2024
In the clip, Simmons finds himself alone underneath the rim but appears to rush the lay-in and misses the rim entirely.
The play generated a wide response from fans on social media.
Layup is blocked? 😅
— Greedy_Harris (@Greedy_Harris) November 23, 2024
Can’t wait till he’s off the team.
— Dave Euro (@daveeuro) November 23, 2024
Washed
— Anto Parra (@jdkdkdkajwkq) November 23, 2024
I don’t understand how Jordi can look at Ben putting up 2/4/4 in 24 minutes, completely mess up the spacing, and still advocate for Ben Simmons
— Cifer (@NetsCifer) November 23, 2024
It was an embarrassing moment for the former All-Star who has already been ridiculed in the past for passing up open shots.
It might just be one play, but it does speak to Simmons’ reluctance to score in certain moments, which could diminish his value down the line.
