Former NBA player Chandler Parsons made some very strong comments about Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons this week.
On FanDuel TV’s program Run It Back, Parsons assessed Simmons’ future in the NBA and surmised that the former first-overall pick might not be a premium talent anymore.
In fact, he went so far saying that Simmons could be a “minimum player for the rest of his career” unless he’s able to dramatically turn things around.
Basically, Parsons alludes the potential-laden Nets guard may not be long for the major contract he’s making in Brooklyn and could eventually be a buyout candidate rather than a foundational pillar for that franchise.
“He’s most likely a minimum player for the rest of his career…”@ChandlerParsons on Ben Simmons 👀
Watch the full episode of #RunItBack ⬇️https://t.co/OO4bAajSXH pic.twitter.com/7EBs9jceUx
— FanDuel TV (@FanDuelTV) March 1, 2023
After a promising start with the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons’ career has cooled considerably. He’s not played a full season since his rookie year and has only averaged 6.9 points this season and 6.3 rebounds this year with the Nets.
Parsons based his reasoning on the “minimum player” comment on what he calls Simmons’ “strong mental block … where he just can’t overcome it.”
Simmons didn’t play in the 2021-22 NBA season as he reportedly dealt with mental health issues. His absence from the game didn’t stop him from joining a new team, as he was traded to Brooklyn by last year’s NBA trade deadline in a deal involving James Harden.
The Nets guard reportedly cited a “mental block” last spring as a stressor that sparked back issues in a meeting with Brooklyn brass, though he said he still wanted to continue his playing career at the time.
Nobody really knows what the future holds for Simmons, and Parsons rightly concedes that there is still a chance the former Philly standout regains form.
While Parsons is fair to wonder what Simmons’ future may hold on the court, basketball always comes second as taking care of your mental health is no joke. It’s commendable that Simmons is willing to continue his career just as it was commendable that he was willing to step away to seek vital care.
Time will tell how Simmons’ career unfolds from here, but Parsons doesn’t sound too confident that it’s headed in the right direction right now.
