Kyrie Irving comes to the aid of Ben Simmons

If the net are not at their best collectively, since the start of the season (one victory and three defeats), it is nothing compared to the start of Ben Simmons. With only 5.3 points on average, 45% in shots and 33% in shots, to go with his 5.8 rebounds and 7.5 assists per game, he is thus only a shadow of himself on the field, despite 30 minutes of average playing time…

We remember, however, that in his first four years in the league, the Australian was able to shoot almost 16 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals per game (56% on shots and 60% on throws), at the Sixers. His performances, both in attack and defense, have earned him an All-Star status (three times), a member of an All-NBA Team (once), a member of an All-Defensive Team (twice ) or Rookie of the year…

Yes, but here it is: mentally and physically affected since June 2021, Ben Simmons is struggling today to climb the slope. In the midst of a crisis of confidence, to the point that he sometimes refuses “easy” shots near the circle, it is sometimes sad to watch him play. Especially on the offensive level, where his discomfort is most often felt.

In short: do not count on a player of brooklyn to further push the No. 1 of the 2016 Draft, as demonstrated by the statements of Kyrie Irving last night, coming off a loss to Milwaukee.

” I’m just not trying to be overly critical of Ben [Simmons] and what he does right or wrong in each game », Explain the All-Star point guard. ” He is a basketball player, a professional and he has the skills to be a great professional. He’s done it before and he hasn’t played for two years, but you’re going to keep asking me every time, ‘And Ben? What about Ben?’. It’s just that he hasn’t played in two years, so give him a fucking chance. »

Patience as a key word

Visibly close to Ben Simmons, whom he advises and with whom he shares Australian nationality, Kyrie Irving never misses an opportunity to defend himself at a press conference, after having already done so a week ago.

” He was told in the locker room that he was an essential part of the team and that he was needed on the pitch », then indicated the 2016 champion, after the Nets’ setback against the Pelicans.

Seven days later, Kyrie Irving flies to the aid of Ben Simmons again, so as not to destroy the little confidence he has left and so as to also help him regain his feelings as quickly as possible…

” We stay on him, on his back “, he continues. ” We’re just there for him, cheering him on when he’s on the pitch and just letting him play. As he plays and climbs back up, we’re really going to have to bond together as a team, to learn how to win as a group. It’s not a one-man job, he doesn’t have to go out there and play superheroes for us. »