NBA analyst defends Ben Simmons fouling out vs Memphis, says his aggressiveness to play is apparent: "We have to crawl before we walk, we gotta take crumbs when we can get’em, the man wants to play” 

Ben Simmons is motivated to leave his mark with the Brooklyn Nets. Although it's been a slow start to the 2022-23 season, Simmons continues to show signs of promise.

Brooklyn came into the regular season with plenty of question marks. They had an offseason that was full of controversy. Superstar forward Kevin Durant requested a trade from the organization before initially withdrawing his request. Fellow star Kyrie Irving seemed like he was on his way out of town before opting into his player option.

Then there was Simmons, who had yet to play in a game since his days with the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons found himself as a popular topic last year in the NBA. He had previously demanded a trade from the 76ers after a disappointing performance in the 2020 NBA playoffs. Simmons' reasoning was for "wanting a fresh start."

Now, as part of the Brooklyn Nets, Simmons is still trying to get his feet back underneath him. Although Simmons hasn't put up big numbers so far, he's shown the competitive drive that many were wanting to see. ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith applauded Simmons' efforts, especially during his recent game in which the talented star fouled out.

"To see you ticked off that you got called for fouls and you're fouling out of games, shows me that you want to be in the damn game. We have to crawl before we walk, we gotta take crumbs when we can get’em, the man wants to play.”

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Ben Simmons trying to find his groove with the Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons

It's been a slow start to the 2022-23 season statistically for Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons. One of the most fascinating developments as of late has been the competitiveness. After fouling out in a recent loss against the Memphis Grizzlies, Simmons was visibly frustrated. He even took to the podium to call out the NBA referees, saying that "refs make mistakes too."

Simmons hasn't put up the eye-opening numbers that many expected, but it's going to take time. The 26-year-old is playing his first regular season games in almost two years. In three games so far, Simmons is averaging 5.7 points, 6.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game.referees,

The team has gotten off to a rough start as they have won just one of their first three games. It won't get any easier for Brooklyn, as they are set to take on the Milwaukee Bucks and Dallas Mavericks in their next two games.

It's simply going to take time for Simmons to find his rhythm with the Brooklyn Nets. That shouldn't be much of a surprise, especially playing alongside Durant and Irving. Brooklyn found themselves in the spotlight this offseason and looked like a team that could be on the verge of change. For now, basketball fans will watch closely to monitor the progression of the roster.

If the Nets don't get back on the right track, the buzz surrounding the team could start to heat up again. For now, it looks as if Ben Simmons will continue to take the next game approach as he attempts to find his groove again.