Ben Simmonsā career arc is somewhat fascinating. From being an elite prospect and one of the most promising players in the league, to celebrating when he scores double figures and being hated by nearly every fan base in the NBA.
Simmons claimed not to be mentally fit to be on the court after forcing his way out of the Philadelphia 76ers. However, most people thought it was just an act, rather than showing their support for the struggling combo/forward.
Now, heās been fairly inconsistent for the Brooklyn Nets, and some believe heāll never be a star in this league. Simply put, it seems like people want to watch him fail, as his pretentious attitude has turned him into a bit of a villain and a guy thatās hard to root for.
NBA News: Ben Simmons Says Heāll Never Suck On The Court
But the former Sixers star couldnāt care less about his haters. Heās only focused on going back to his former level, and he knows heās never going to be a liability for his team, even if heās still not there yet:
āI had a terrible year,ā Simmons tells the Sydney Morning Herald. āSo I know how to handle my emotions and what I need to be doing to get on track. If Iām worried or sad or frustrated or angry, I feel like Iām better able to deal with that now. It took time, but Iām at peace with who I am and whatās going on around me. I know what my priorities are, and what I need to do every day. Besides that, I just want to be me.ā
āEveryoneās been tearing me down for a year straight,ā Simmons adds. āIt sucks. [But] I love when people are talking sh*t, wanting to see me down, because in my head Iām playing with house money. I know Iām not gonna go out there and suck. I know thatās not going to happen. I would have to be a different person.ā
You gotta love the confidence, and, in all honesty, I actually believe he can still be a superstar. But it is that lack of accountability and his inability to just be humble that has driven most of his fans away.
