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Many Australian fans remain disappointed Simmons has not been able to suit up for the Boomers since his debut as a teenager in 2013, having variously cited off-season plans, injuries or a desire to train and work on his skills.
After the buyout news broke, NBA fans took to social media on Saturday to vent their frustrations, questioning his toughness, injuries and his lack of shooting improvement.
Some of the hot takes were amusing, but many were cruel or toxic. Nets fans have reason to be disappointed as they never got Simmons at his best and as a result, his name has gone from being a three-time All-Star to a punchline.
He suited up for 90 games over his 3ยฝ seasons at the Nets (each season consists of 82 games, plus play-offs) and was rarely at full health or top form.
Fernandez praised Simmons for getting back on court after his latest back surgery.
โI know that not playing for a season and then limited games another season and now fighting his way back, playing I think it was a little over 20 minutes or mid-20s,โ said Fernandez, in his first season with the Nets.
Ben Simmons has struggled with injury during his time in Brooklyn.Credit: AP
โSo thatโs pretty good. Really good to see that after going through a surgery, now being back playing basketball.โ
Simmons is averaging 6.2 points and 6.9 assists from 33 games this season.
Where could he fit?
The Clippers would provide Simmons with a return to LA, where he has spent a lot of time when out of season.
He would also get to team up with fellow Australian Patty Mills once more after Mills was recently traded to the Clippers. Harden is in stellar form and Kawhi Leonard is fast regaining his best touch for a rapidly improving team.
Cleveland are arguably the best defensive team in the NBA currently, and shape as Bostonโs toughest opponent in the eastern conference.
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Houston, meanwhile, are a young but improving team who have surprised with their rise in the western conference. Australian centre Jock Landale also comes off the bench for the Rockets.
Wherever he lands, Simmons will do so without the pressure of a max contract and with far less expectation, playing a role off the bench, likely as a playmaker for the second unit or a mismatch for small guards or slow forwards.
The NBA loves a redemption story and embattled stars like Ron Artest (also known as Metta World Peace) and Lamar Odom have rebuilt reputations by playing a role in a championship win.
If Simmons can do this, it wouldnโt make up for those lost years, but it would be one hell of a comeback.
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