NBA world reacts to Ben Simmons’ dreadful Nets debut

There are two ways to look at Ben Simmons’ long-awaited debut for the Brooklyn Nets. You can look at it as this is his first regular season NBA game in over a year and just being on the court is progress. Or you can look at it as his first game back in over a year was an unmitigated disaster.

While the Brooklyn Nets can now say that their $177 million man is contributing on the court, Simmons didn’t exactly fare that well. In 23 minutes, Simmons fouled out early in the fourth quarter with four points, five rebounds, five assists, and missing both free throws he attempted. A bright spot though was that even though Simmons had four points, he was two-for-three in field goals so you could argue he was able to convert the few scoring opportunities he got.

Even still, that statline isn’t great and fouling out that far from the end of the game is inexcusable. Along with the Nets losing by 22 to the New Orleans Pelicans, many had something to say about how Simmons did.

Zion when he sees Ben Simmons guarding himpic.twitter.com/acgcLHWOEY

— Overtime (@overtime) October 20, 2022

Nets fans looking at Ben Simmons fouling out with just four points pic.twitter.com/bEhksFbRDB

— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) October 20, 2022

https://twitter.com/HoodiDrew/status/1582887068199718914?s=20&t=GbABynyeqpgkzc-1U2-KzQ

Ben Simmons finished the game with more fouls than points

— dyson daniels floater (@killmesIime) October 20, 2022

https://twitter.com/Nictheegr8/status/1582906653380251648?s=20&t=GbABynyeqpgkzc-1U2-KzQ

Tell Ben Simmons it’s time. pic.twitter.com/wO9GWhfxgY

— 🦅 Dorian (@nd0rian) October 20, 2022

Ben Simmons after scoring 4 points and fouling out in a blowout loss in his Nets regular season debut pic.twitter.com/3Do7HNKJhh

— Dunk League (@DunkLeague) October 20, 2022