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- Ben Simmons has been ruled out of Game 4 in the Nets’ series against Boston
- Media is ripping him for not returning to help his team dig out of an 0-3 hole
- Read more NBA news here
The Brooklyn Nets will have to try and dig out of a 3-0 hole without star forward Ben Simmons in the lineup.
The former first-round pick was ruled out of Game 4, extending his near year-long absence from the floor. After spending the first half of the year in Philadelphia, he was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets.
Rumors have swirled regarding his return to the court, but so far, none have come to fruition.
The latest talks circled around Simmons being able to get back in the lineup around Game 3 or 4 of the Nets’ opening series with Boston. Instead, Brooklyn will have to wait at least a game longer as they try to keep their season alive.
ESPN Sources: The Nets and Ben Simmons expected he would be ready to play on Monday, but after getting on the court yesterday Simmons says he awoke with back soreness today. In the end, the team and Simmons agreed he'll remain out for Game 4.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 24, 2022
In a report from Adrian Wojnarowski, it was said that Simmons and the Nets both had the expectation of him making his return on Monday. The forward, however, said he awoke with back soreness on Sunday, leaving him to remain on the sidelines.
The NBA world has come after Simmons following the news, further painting him as a bad teammate. A number of media members have now taken to social media to post their reactions to the news.
NBA Responds To Ben Simmons’s Continued Absence
The Twitter response to the recent Ben Simmons news was one of disappointment. NBA personalities gave their opinions on the extended absence, as they’ve grown tired of the drama surrounding the situation.
Check it out below.
Former NBA star Reggie Miller had some strong words to say about Simmons.
Cmon MAN!!! Out for Game 4 when it was rumored you were going to make your debut. This dude has ZERO competitive 🔥.. As small a chance as the Nets have to come back in this series, you still have KD and Kyrie, all you need is to win ONE game and take it from there.. #ManUp pic.twitter.com/Y5smcnQkqZ
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) April 24, 2022
“C’mon MAN!! Out for Game 4 when it was rumored you were going to make your debut. This dude has ZERO competitive fire.”
He finished with the hashtag #ManUp.
Colin Cowherd chimed in, too, with a sarcastic message about Simmons’s stint in Brooklyn.
Ben Simmons out for game 4. Man, heartbreaking to lose a reliable teammate in crisis.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) April 24, 2022
“Man, heartbreaking to lose a reliable teammate in crisis.”
Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back, flat out calling Simmons a bad teammate.
https://twitter.com/stephenasmith/status/1518343815228272640?s=20&t=3uWeygRIjqJdy4YJB9y3dg
“I feel bad for anyone who was his teammate. He quit on LSU, he quit on the Philadelphia 76ers, and now, he ain’t showing up for the Brooklyn Nets.”
Finally, Kendrick Perkins gave his two cents, calling this the biggest heist in NBA history.
Ben Simmons has officially completed the biggest heist in NBA history. He really sat out an entire season! Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 24, 2022
Harsh words from an NBA world that’s grown tired of the Simmons storyline.