Ironic Ben Simmons act mars season-best performance as NBA career remains in limbo
His masterclass performance against Phoenix provided all the evidence Ben Simmons needed to argue his case to remain in the NBA.
The three-time All-Star is in the final year of his five-year $273 million (AUD) deal but his future in the league remains uncertain as he continues to battle injury.
Simmons has played in 57 of 254 possible games over the last three seasons, and the pressure to prove his value has reached an all-time high.
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In 14 appearances this season, Simmons has averaged a career-low of 5.9 points per game, but on Thursday, Nets fans were gifted a glimpse at what the star is capable of when he receives the ball.
Ben Simmons goes up for the rebound. NBAE via Getty Images
Simmons scored 14 points, and had nine boards to go with eight assists in the Nets' 127-117 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
His early physicality "set the tone" for the match, according to Nets coach Jordi Fernandez.
"I think it was an (isolation) play for KD (Kevin Durant) and he was physical and he pushed him," Fernandez said.
"I think that set the tone for everybody else.
Kevin Durant posts up on Ben Simmons. Getty
"He finished with almost a triple-double, 14, nine and eight, only two turnovers, which is impressive.
"The numbers are very good, but his physicality defensively... I was very impressed and that helped everybody else."
But his starring performance did not come without criticism with fans quick to notice two ironic gestures made by Simmons.
Late in the second quarter Simmons pulled off a running lay-up before making the 'too small' gesture at Phoenix rookie Ryan Dunn, who could not stop the power of his incoming opponent.
Ben Simmons makes 'smoking' gesture. YES Network
Bradley Beal was the next victim of Simmons' trolling, having failed to sink an open lay-up.
In response to the missed shot, Simmons grabbed the board and made a smoking gesture - commonly aimed at players who miss easy opportunities - as he powered down the court.
Fans were quick to take to social media following the gestures, noting that Simmons has frequently been guilty of making the same mistake.
But while his past performances continue to return to the spotlight, Simmons revealed he is confident he will make a full return to the player he was in 2021.
"I think I'm just getting more comfortable," Simmons told reporters post-match.
"I've been away from the game for a while, in terms of being healthy, and it takes time to get back to where I want to be.
"I want nothing in the world more than to be where I was at a few years ago."
