Michael Porter Jr. Defends Ben Simmons Amid Widespread Criticism Over His Level Of Play

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Ben Simmons has always been a recipient of widespread criticism, mainly due to his inability to shoot from the outside. But the criticism has gotten nasty ever since his epic blunder against the Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 NBA playoffs. 

Simmons was an All-Star who knows how to storm the box score with his all-around play. But he hasn’t been able to do that in these past two seasons and has clearly regressed from what he used to be despite getting a new opportunity with the Brooklyn Nets.

In light of Simmons’ recent struggles and drawn criticism, Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. now stood in defense of Simmons and decided to send a positive message about the 26-year old Nets big guard. 

Per New York Post:

 “People are so hard on Ben Simmons. But I know what he’s going through as far as he’s able to play right now, but he’s not back to Ben Simmons, and it’ll take a while for him to have all the explosiveness,” Porter told Brian Lewis of the New York Post. “I watched a little highlight video from a couple years ago — he’s just flying down the lane. He’ll get that back, but it just takes time. Anything with the back, it just inhibits a little bit of explosiveness.”