NBA 2023: Ben Simmons divides fans and pundits with bizarre statline

Ben Simmons has divided fans and pundits with one of the most bizarre statlines in recent memory.

Ben Simmons. Picture: Getty Images

Ben Simmons put up one of the most bizarre statlines in recent memory as the Brooklyn Nets fell 109-98 to Eastern Conference leaders the Boston Celtics on Friday.

Simmons went scoreless in 26 minutes on-court but finished with 13 assists – 10 to halftime – and nine rebounds as the Nets recorded just their second loss in 16 games.

All eyes were on the Australian to step up in the absence of superstar Kevin Durant, who is sidelined with a knee injury, and Simmons’ performance had fans and pundits divided.

The 26 year old was never going to be able to replace Durant’s 29.7ppg average, however many expected Simmons to attack the basket more without the Nets’ top pointscorer on the floor.

Instead the opposite occurred, with Simmons going 0-1 shooting in the first half as he became just the 18th player in NBA history to record 13 assists and zero points.

Simmons has now gone six games without double-digit points, dating back to the December 29 win over Atlanta with he put up 10 points.

Ben Simmons put up a bizarre stateline against the Celtics. Picture: Al Bello/Getty Images

ESPN pundits Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley were divided on Simmons’ influence on the contest at halftime.

“I think there’s such a misconception at times about scoring,” Smith said.

“Yes he could score more but his biggest value is that he can defend, rebound and pass the ball at pace like no one else can do.

Yes he can score more, that would be great. But give me 20 assists and 10 rebounds, I don’t care how many baskets you score.”

Barkley however was less than impressed by Simmons’ statline.

“100 per cent I disagree with Kenny – you can’t go a whole half without scoring,” he said.

“It’s almost impossible for a guy that talented to go a whole half without scoring. He ain’t even looking at the basket.”

After the match Simmons said the Nets had to find a new way to play with no Durant to lean on for the next month.

“(That’s) one less guy to get open, especially a guy like Kevin (who) can score at will, so (with him in the team) it takes a lot of pressure off everybody,” Simmons said.

“Collectively we have to understand that and play a certain way, with pace, movement … we have to play team basketball because I feel like when we play team basketball, it’s hard for anybody to stop us.”

The Nets remain second in the Eastern Conference standings, now four games back from the Celtics, ahead of a January 16 meeting with Oklahoma City Thunder.

Simmons’ shot at redemption with star-studded Nets

— Matt Logue

Ben Simmons has emerged from the shadows of being labelled the NBA’s most polarising player to become a ‘glue’ for the in-form Brooklyn Nets, but the Aussie star’s path to redemption is far from complete.

The mental demons and injuries are in the rear-view mirror and Simmons is back being celebrated as an All-Star calibre player.

Although the three-time All-Star didn’t appear in the top 10 guards in the East in the first round of fan voting.

For all Simmons’ success at the Nets this season, especially on the defensive end, an element of scepticism still exists towards the Melbourne-born guard.

The image of the Aussie passing up on an open dunk and missing free-throws in Philadelphia’s game seven loss to Atlanta in the 2021 playoffs has left scars for some critics.

Then there is Simmons’ ugly exit from the 76ers, highlighted when he refused to play and sat out a season until he was traded.

Ben Simmons has rediscovered some of his finest form with the Brooklyn Nets so far this season, but his biggest challenge awaits. Photo: Getty Images.

The former No.1 draft pick was accused of lacking the “heart” required to succeed on the professional stage.

His willingness to improve his flawed shooting stroke was also questioned.

Simmons has since conceded he could’ve handled his departure from Philadelphia better, but he wasn’t solely to blame as the club had made its feelings about his championship credentials crystal clear.

The gifted guard eventually found an out when he was traded to Brooklyn last season, and despite not playing a game due to mental health and a lingering back injury, the change of scenery helped him rediscover his smile again.

Now Simmons is back in his happy hoops place, playing a key role in a star-studded Brooklyn side that sits second in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Nets won 12 straight games before a loss to Chicago left the team just two wins short of equally the franchise’s all-time longest winning streak.

Regardless, Brooklyn is as a legitimate championship contender and Simmons is a vital cog in the machine.

He is averaging 7.7 points, 6,7 rebounds 6 assists.

Simmons has conceded he could have handled his 76ers departure better, but has improved since joining Brooklyn. Picture: AFP.

The Australian star has also helped the Nets become a stronger defensive team while his ability to spread the floor and find teammates with his pinpoint passing has proved invaluable in a side loaded with offensive threats like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Brooklyn looked like they’d finally turned a corner until Durant hurt his knee in a win over the Miami Heat this week.

The Nets’ superstar could miss up to a month, placing pressure on his side to maintain its winning ways.

Brooklyn went 5-16 last year without Durant, including an 11-game losing streak.

KD’s absence opens the door for a player other than pointscoring guard Kyrie Irving to step up.

In many experts’ eyes, that man is Simmons.

Ben Simmons and Naji Marshall 👀 pic.twitter.com/TywZqzm34z

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 7, 2023

ESPN NBA senior writer Ramona Shelburne recently urged the Australian guard to be more aggressive driving to the rim.

Shelburne rates Simmons highly but believes he needs to drive and attack the rim more, especially with Durant on the sidelines.

“Simmons used to drive to the basket - he was fifth in the NBA in driving to the basket five years ago,” Shelburne said.

“He used to average around 10 drives to the basket per game.

“This year, three drives a game.

“That isn’t enough for a guy like Ben Simmons.

“You saw him against Kyle Lowry. They put six-foot Lowry on him, and he was settling for pull ups – that isn’t aggressive enough.

“Now, some of it is because they (Brooklyn) didn’t need him to do that. Kevin Durant is out there, Kyrie Irving is out there.

“Now they need Ben Simmons to go back to being Ben Simmons.”

Simmons will receive the perfect opportunity to prove his worth when Brooklyn hosts the NBA leading Boston Celtics on Friday.

The Celtics are a formidable force led by potent duo Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown and will provide a stern test for the Nets and Simmons at both ends of the floor.

Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics at the Barclays Center from 11.30am (AEDT) and Live on ESPN and Kayo

Originally published as NBA 2023: Ben Simmons divides fans and pundits with bizarre statline