NBA Twitter Ruthlessly Memes On Ben Simmons For Once Again Refusing To Play Basketball

Ben Simmons has returned to the crosshairs of social media after refusing to play Game 4 of the Brooklyn Nets' NBA playoff series against the Celtics, which they need to win to stay alive this season, because of a "sore back." If you're familiar with the endless drama surrounding Simmons, chances are you don't believe that excuse.

Cmon MAN!!! Out for Game 4 when it was rumored you were going to make your debut. This dude has ZERO competitive 🔥.. As small a chance as the Nets have to come back in this series, you still have KD and Kyrie, all you need is to win ONE game and take it from there.. #ManUp pic.twitter.com/Y5smcnQkqZ

— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) April 24, 2022

Last season, Simmons, a former NBA all-star, became Philadelphia's public enemy number one after refusing to take a crucial, wide-open layup in a key moment in the 76ers Game 7 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. He then refused to play for the 76ers at the start of this season, citing mental health concerns, much to the frustration of his teammates and coaches. In February, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets (much to the delight of his former teammates), but still hasn't played a game for the team, despite several scheduled return dates that came and went with no Simmons.

Tonight's missed game has fueled reports that now the Nets have had it with Simmons, while NBA Twitter crows at the team's frustration.

Ben Simmons when Steve Nash asked if he could play in Game 4 pic.twitter.com/cbTCOHsc8c

— 𝙍𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙮 ☘️ (@CelticsRiley) April 24, 2022

Ben Simmons waking up for Game 4 today pic.twitter.com/qrGGUEpF8F

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 25, 2022

Ben Simmons in an elimination game pic.twitter.com/J9SIm7Ezix

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 24, 2022

It didn't help matters that Simmons was last seen watching Brooklyn lose Game 3 in an extremely colorful sideline outfit, visually emphasizing the separation between himself and his black-clad teammates.

nah Ben Simmons gotta be the worst teammate ever he watching his team fight for their playoff lives while he sitting there like a pack of Skittles 😭 pic.twitter.com/nctc8AEujM

— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) April 24, 2022

Ben Simmons observing greatness pic.twitter.com/fTOgXlHugd

— Tim (@timisaperson) April 24, 2022

Ben Simmons is literally this meme 😭 pic.twitter.com/VleAF0vNWY

— Guru (@DrGuru_) April 24, 2022

While it's not official yet, it's a pretty safe bet that basketball fans won't see Ben Simmons play this season. At this point, it's fair to question whether he'll ever play again.