Advertisement

'Biggest fraud': NBA world rages over 'pathetic' Ben Simmons move

Ben Simmons, pictured here during Game 3 between the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics.

Ben Simmons is being savaged around the NBA world after his planned comeback for the Brooklyn Nets in Game 4 was delayed.

The Aussie was widely expected to make his season and team debut on Monday against the Boston Celtics after a lengthy ramp-up period while dealing with a back injury.

With his team in an 0-3 hole, it would have been a huge boost to have Simmons back on the court.

'WHAT A MOMENT': NBA world goes bonkers over playoff drama

'UNACCEPTABLE': NBA player's wild act after being thrown out

But ESPN reported that Simmons awoke with back soreness on Sunday, and he and the Nets agreed to play it safe and keep him out.

Simmons, acquired in a blockbuster trade in February that sent James Harden to the Sixers, has yet to play a single game in a Nets uniform.

The Australian forced his way out of Philadelphia over a fractured relationship with 76ers coach Doc Rivers and teammate Joel Embiid.

Needless to say, NBA pundits were less than impressed that Simmons won't be helping his team in Game 4.

Kevin Durant is out there playing 46 minutes. Nets have no depth. And Ben Simmons can’t chip in 10-15 minutes to help his team try to stave off elimination? This can’t be going over well in the locker room,” Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated tweeted.

US sportscaster Stephen A Smith said on ESPN: “I feel bad for anyone who is his teammate.

“He quit on LSU. He quit on the Philadelphia 76ers and now he ain’t showing up for the Brooklyn Nets.

“We can point to all the excuses, all the rationale behind it that we want to.

“I do recall despite him not playing, he still filed a grievance to collect $20 million (from the 76ers) that he has not earned. This is one of the most pathetic situations that I’ve ever seen in my life.

“He ain’t going to war, he ain’t going in the (UFC) Octagon, he’s not going into the boxing ring. It’s pulling teeth to get this man to play basketball. It’s pathetic, it’s sad.”

Ben Simmons, pictured here during Game 1 between the Celtics and Nets.
Ben Simmons watches from the bench during Game 1 between the Celtics and Nets. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (Maddie Meyer via Getty Images)

NBA world blasts Ben Simmons situation

NBA legend Reggie Miller tweeted: “Cmon MAN!!! Out for Game 4 when it was rumoured you were going to make your debut.

"This dude has ZERO competitive (fire). 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."

Former player Darrick Martin tweeted: “Ben Simmons has got to be the biggest fraud ever in the NBA.

"It’s unfortunate he is a part of the NBA players fraternity. He definitely doesn’t love to Hoop.”

Kendrick Perkins added: “Ben Simmons has officially completed the biggest heist in NBA history. He really sat out an entire season!”

While sports writer Aaron Torres commented: “So glad we’re finally at the point where people are starting to call Ben Simmons out for exactly who he is.

"Dude quit on one team, and can’t be bothered to even attempt to play for another - all while making $33 million in salary. Biggest waste of talent I’ve ever seen.”

The No.2 seed Celtics beat the seventh seed Nets 109-103 on Saturday to take a 3-0 lead.

No team in NBA history has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win a play-off series.

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.