Let me be honest with you - when I opened my laptop to write about Ben Simmons' current NBA situation, I found myself staring at that Shakey's Super League photo for a good minute. It's funny how sports careers can take such unexpected turns. I've been covering the NBA for over a decade now, and I remember watching Simmons during his LSU days thinking he was going to revolutionize the point guard position. Fast forward to today, and we're having a very different conversation about his future in the league.

The Ben Simmons situation reminds me of those intense volleyball matches you see in the Shakey's Super League - incredibly talented athletes pushing through physical challenges while fans watch with bated breath. Simmons' journey has been equally dramatic, though arguably less successful recently. When he arrived in Brooklyn as part of that James Harden trade back in February 2022, most analysts (myself included) thought the change of scenery would unlock his potential. Instead, we've witnessed a player struggling with both physical health and confidence, which has been painful to watch for someone with his undeniable physical gifts.

Looking at his current status as we approach the 2024 season, the numbers tell a sobering story. Last season, Simmons appeared in only 42 games, averaging career lows across the board - 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. These statistics represent a significant drop from his Philadelphia days when he was putting up 16-8-8 type numbers regularly. The back issues have been persistent, and I've spoken with several sports medicine specialists who worry that his particular type of nerve impingement could be chronic. What's fascinating to me is how his shooting reluctance has become almost psychological at this point - I've never seen a player of his caliber so resistant to taking open jumpers.

When I think about Simmons' future outlook for the 2024 season, there are really two paths forward. The optimistic scenario involves him finally getting fully healthy during the offseason, working extensively on his mental approach to the game, and returning as the versatile defender and transition threat that made him so valuable originally. The Nets have approximately $78 million invested in him over the next two seasons, so they have every incentive to make this work. The pessimistic view - and I have to say this is becoming more likely based on what we've seen - is that he becomes one of those "what if" stories that haunt NBA lore.

What gives me pause about writing Simmons off completely is remembering players like Shaun Livingston, who overcame catastrophic injury to become a valuable contributor on championship teams. The difference, of course, is that Livingston's challenges were purely physical, whereas Simmons seems to be battling both body and mind. I was talking with a scout friend recently who made an interesting point - Simmons might actually benefit from coming off the bench initially, reducing the pressure and allowing him to rebuild his game gradually. It's unconventional for a former number one pick making $35 million annually, but these are unconventional circumstances.

The organizational patience in Brooklyn appears to be wearing thin, though publicly they continue to express support. From my conversations around the league, I'd estimate there's about a 65% chance Simmons starts next season with the Nets, but I wouldn't be surprised if he's moved by the trade deadline if he doesn't show significant improvement. The challenge is finding a trade partner willing to take on his contract without demanding multiple first-round picks as compensation.

As we look toward the 2024 season, the most realistic positive outcome in my view is Simmons settling into a specialized role - maybe as a defensive stopper who can guard multiple positions and initiate occasional fast breaks. He doesn't need to become Steph Curry from three-point range, but he absolutely must develop some semblance of a half-court offensive game beyond dunking. I've watched countless hours of his film, and what strikes me is how much space defenses give him - they literally sag 10-15 feet off him in some situations, daring him to shoot.

The financial implications are massive here. Simmons is owed $40.3 million in 2024-25, which represents about 28% of Brooklyn's projected cap space. For that investment, they're getting production that would be disappointing from a player making one-third of that amount. I've always been a believer in Simmons' raw talent, but at this point, I'm starting to think his best basketball might be behind him unless something dramatic changes in his approach to rehabilitation and skill development.

What encourages me slightly is that Simmons is still only 27 years old - theoretically in his athletic prime. We've seen players like Boris Diaw and Lamar Odom reinvent themselves later in their careers after early struggles. The difference is that those players never had the same level of physical tools that Simmons possesses, nor did they carry the burden of being a number one overall pick. The psychological weight of expectations seems to be crushing him in a way I haven't witnessed with many other elite athletes.

As training camp approaches for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Simmons' physical condition and whether he's added any elements to his offensive game. My sources tell me he's been working with a new shooting coach in Miami, though I'm taking the "wait and see" approach given how many offseasons we've heard about his improved jumper. The reality is that Simmons doesn't need to become a great shooter - he just needs to become a willing one. Defenses play him so differently than any other perimeter player in the league, and until that changes, he'll continue to struggle in half-court sets.

In many ways, Simmons' career trajectory reminds me of those underdog teams in the Shakey's Super League that have to constantly adapt and overcome challenges. The difference is that Simmons has every physical advantage you could ask for - he's 6'10" with guard skills and elite athleticism. At this point, it's about harnessing those tools consistently and overcoming whatever mental blocks have limited his development. As someone who's rooted for him since his rookie year, I genuinely hope he turns it around, but my professional assessment is that the odds are increasingly against him reclaiming his status as an elite NBA player. The 2024 season likely represents his last best chance to prove he can still be a meaningful contributor on a competitive team.