What did the Nets’ Ben Simmons say about the intense criticism that he often faces?

The Nets star was once again in the spot light and once again it wasn’t for the best reasons. Whether you like him or not, it would be fair to say that he hasn’t been able to catch a break in quite some time.

Is Ben Simmons being unfairly criticized?

If you’ve been following NBA headlines over the last few years, it probably wouldn’t take you long to notice quite a few occasions on which Ben Simmons’ name was in the headlines and if were honest, not for the right reasons. From his controversial departure from the Philadelphia 76ers and the soap opera scenario that followed, to his inability to play for the Nets due to a back problem, it’s been quite a ride for the Australian and during that time, his reputation has taken quite a few hits on social media.

This of course, brings us to his most recent viral appearance on the internet. Appearing alongside his teammates, Simmons airballed a shot during an event for fans which was hosted by the franchise on Sunday in a park in Brooklyn. Needless to say, it took only moments for many on social media to lay into him. Incidentally, Simmons went on to win a knockout game against several of his teammates, but clearly the damage had already been done and the memes were already coming in thick and fast. See the video of the moment above.

What did Ben Simmons have to say about the criticism?

We don’t have to tell you that Simmons himself wasn’t happy about the negative attention that his airball got, however, the point guard pointed out that he has grown quite accustomed to being the ‘fall guy. “It finds me all the time,” Simmons said on Wednesday. “And it doesn’t f---ing stop. Sometimes I’m even sick of it, but then I’m like, ‘OK, I’m Ben Simmons, you know? It comes with being Ben Simmons right now.’ The 26-year-old also went on to that several other players airballed shot as well, but none of them received the level of animosity that he did. Indeed, the former Rookie of the Year did in fact concede that he isn’t totally immune to all of the criticism, but he does his best to maintain a “tough skin,” knowing full well that what’s said on social media can’t be taken personally.

Regarding where things stand for Simmons and the Nets now, the 2016 No. 1 overall pick disclosed that his main focus in recent times has been his mental health, as he prepares to return to the court in full. To that extent, he admitted that it’s about staying positive and perhaps even viewing the attention paid to him from a different perspective. “...Because people know what I can do, what I’m capable of,” Simmons said. “I believe that’s what it is. Like if I was somebody that wasn’t capable of doing certain things, I don’t think people would be on my ass as much. And I don’t mind it because it kind of motivates me in a way. Obviously, sometimes it’s a lot for anybody to deal with that, but I look at it a little bit like a respect thing, in a way.”