Everyone Said The Same Thing About Ben Simmons' Met Gala Appearance

07/05/2024 02:44

Without postseason basketball on his itinerary, Ben Simmons attended Monday's Met Gala.

The Brooklyn Nets guard carried a clock briefcase to the annual New York City fashion event, whose theme is "The Garden of Time."

Fashion experts can debate his attire, but basketball fans simply saw an opportunity to roast the oft-injured Simmons. Social media users directed some biting barbs at the 27-year-old after his Met Gala appearance went viral. 

"Unlike most of his career as a Net, Ben Simmons is dressing tonight," Newsday's Barbara Baker quipped.

"Much like his career he did not come to play," Jasmine Watkins wrote.

"Ben Simmons put more effort in this outfit than he has in his last 3 NBA seasons combined," radio host Andrew Salciunas joked.

"Ben Simmons is dressed like a villain called The Time Waster," a fan said.

"Look, it would be so easy to dunk on this photo. That's why Ben Simmons isn't going to do it," Late Night with Seth Meyers writer Matt Goldich said.

A former No. 1 overall pick, Simmons looked like one of the NBA's brightest rising stars when following a Rookie of the Year campaign with three straight All-Star appearances. However, his career has gone south ever since a disastrous end to his 2021 postseason.

Simmons sat out the entire 2021-22 season before returning to average 6.9 points per game the following season. He played just 15 games in 2023-24, last appearing on Feb. 26.

Simmons has not made a three-pointer since March 17, 2021, and he's attempted just 5.4 shots per game during his Nets career. It's hardly the production a team wants from a player who signed a five-year, $170 million maximum contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019.

At least his bold outfit is more befitting the Met Gala's red carpet than an NBA bench.