Shannon Sharpe draws parallel between Ben Simmons and Deshaun Watson’s decline after initial hype

Ben Simmons finds himself in an unwanted comparison due to form and confidence as the new NBA season approaches.

Shannon Sharpe draws parallel between Ben Simmons and Deshaun Watson’s decline after initial hype

Ben Simmons compared to Deshaun Watson by Shannon Sharpe

You know things have gone from bad to worse when you have NFL analyst Shannon Sharpe comparing struggling quarterback Deshaun Watson to NBA player Ben Simmons. Simmons, who was once considered a generational talent out of LSU and was compared to LeBron James due to his versatile playmaking abilities, has since lost confidence and seen his performance diminish.

Shannon Sharpe made this sad comparison of Ben Simmons on Monday’s edition of his Night Cap show. He went further to point out one certain moment in Simmons’ career during the 2021 NBA playoffs that the Nets player would want to forget.

I don’t think Deshaun… Look at Ben Simmons in basketball, Ocho. All-Defensive, All-Star, All-NBA, Rookie of the Year. Yeah, he got hurt, but his mentality was that what happened in Philly. Y’all remember I said he was never going to be the same. His coach and the best player on the team criticized him.

Shannon Sharpe on Monday’s edition of his Night Cap show

The NFL player himself, Deshaun Watson, was once a dominant quarterback with the Houston Texans, where he led the league in passing yards in 2020. However, his career took a significant hit following sexual misconduct allegations and a trade to the Cleveland Browns, where he has struggled to regain his former performance level.

FS Video

Sadly, Watson is in the unwanted stats conversation as he is currently leading the NFL in sacks and yards lost. Sharpe suggested that, like Simmons, Watson’s decline may be related to a loss of confidence and other off-field challenges.

RELATED
LeBron James and Stephen Curry’s heirs on Team USA for 2028 Los Angeles Olympics identified
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Zion Williamson and Ja Morant

Ben Simmons’ trainer backs him to come back stronger

With the new NBA season approaching, Ben Simmons is preparing with a renewed focus, as shown in a recent offseason workout video with veteran trainer Chris Brickley. Brickley, on social media, claimed the three-time All-Star is better now than during his peak with the Philadelphia 76ers as he has been helping Simmons refine his shooting form ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.

Thanks bro but Ben is healthy, moving very well, he is better now than his All Star seasons. I’ve never co-signed a player that didn’t prove it when their season started. Trust me on this one.

Chris Brinkley wrote on X

While fans have no doubt that Brickley’s coaching credentials are unquestionable, Simmons’ ability to stay on the court remains a concern, as over the past three seasons, Simmons has played just 57 games due to multiple injuries.

RELATED
Gilbert Arenas cites ‘family and friends’ as worst part of being an NBA player
Gilbert Arenas suggests friends and family drain out the finances of NBA stars

However, if he can remain healthy, he would still have to prove Big Shaq wrong still, given the NBA legend’s previous comments on the player. The Brooklyn Nets open the regular season with an away game against the Atlanta Hawks.