Ben Simmons has officially been ruled out of game four of the Brooklyn Nets’ first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday that the Australian woke up again with back soreness after attempting to ramp up to play in the elimination game.
The Celtics currently lead the series 3-0, with the Nets desperate for Simmons’ All-NBA level defence to try and swing the contest.
He has not played in the 2021-2022 season and also opted out of Australia’s historic Olympic campaign, sitting out while at Philadelphia and dealing with this back issue in Brooklyn.
Citing mental health reasons, Simmons is attempting to win back the over $20 million that the 76ers withheld from him for holding out all season.
ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith did not hold back in his criticism of the Aussie once it was confirmed he would not play in game four.
"I feel bad for anybody who was his teammate," Smith said on ESPN.
"He quit on LSU. He quit on the Philadelphia 76ers and how he ain't showing up for the Brooklyn Nets.
"We can point to all the excuses, all the rationale behind it that we want to.
"I do recall that, despite him not playing, he still filed the grievance to collect $20 million that he has not earned.
"This is one of the most pathetic situations that I have ever seen in my life.
"He ain't going to war, he ain't going in the Octagon, he's not going in a boxing ring. It's pulling teeth to get this man to play basketball.
"It's pathetic. It's sad and at the end of the day when the NBA gets to the collective bargaining table and they go after the players in terms of a 'pay for play' stipulation in the collective bargaining agreement, it's going to be called the Ben Simmons rule."
NBA legend Reggie Miller also called out Simmons, saying he lacks competitive drive.
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
Ben Simmons has officially completed the biggest heist in NBA history. He really sat out an entire season! Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 24, 2022
It is unclear if Simmons would be available to play in a game five, should the Nets beat Boston on Tuesday morning (Australian time).
Game five would be on Thursday morning just two days later.