Chicago Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball and Brooklyn Nets point guard Ben Simmons were drafted one year apart.
Ball, who was selected second overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2017, had been compared to Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson. Simmons, who was selected first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2016, had been compared to future Hall of Fame forward LeBron James.
Lonzo Ball & Ben Simmons – The Chosen Ones
Neither player was able to live up to those lofty expectations. However, there was a time in which Ball looked as if he could eventually become an NBA champion, like Johnson. There was also a time in which Simmons appeared to be a perennial All-Star –if not All-NBA –selection, like James.
As luck –or better yet misfortune –would have it, neither player’s peak lasted very long.
Point Guard Parallels
In his first season with the Bulls, Ball underwent what was supposed to be a routine arthroscopic surgery. By March, he realized that he needed a cartilage transplant. Due to multiple setbacks, he didn’t play a game from Jan. 2022 to Oct. 2024. At some point, it seemed like his career would all but certainly end prematurely.
In his first season with the Nets, Simmons was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back. 12 months later, he was revealed to have a nerve impingement. Both of these announcements led to him being ruled out for the remainder of the season. Like Ball, it seemed like his career was all but over.
It’s either ironic or poetic that both Ball and Simmons have had largely triumphant returns this season.
Neither player looks like the player they were at the height of their powers. Ball is averaging 7.2 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game while shooting 34.0 percent from 3. Simmons is averaging 6.2 points, 6.9 assists, 5.2 rebounds and 0.8 steals per game. However, they’ve both positively impacted winning with their blend of basketball IQ, physical tools, passing ability, and defense. Though liable to be sidelined any given night, they’ve both also played at least 30 games this season.
Contract Goals
On Wednesday, the Bulls rewarded Ball for his performance with a two-year, $20 million contract extension that will keep him in uniform through 2027.
If Simmons is watching from afar, Ball’s new deal should give him a new goal to reach. Though he’s on the final season of his contract, Simmons doesn’t want to walk away from the game any time soon. In fact, he wants to play as long as possible. The questions and concerns about his healthy just lead to worthwhile questions about his free market value.
Now he has a number. A very specific number. In fact, as he’s been a bit healthier and productive than Ball, he should be able to earn a little more. Fortunately for Simmons, the Nets are projected to have $91.8 million in cap space this coming offseason.
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