When it comes to Ben Simmons’ struggles on the court over the past few years, Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has a theory about what the problem has been. 

Simmons has appeared in just 42 games over the past two seasons due to knee and back issues, coupled with him sitting out the start of the 2021-22 season while he was still in Philadelphia to work on his mental health. 

Even when he has been on the court Simmons has not lived up to the potential that he showed early in his career with the 76ers, which led Green to believe it’s a confidence issue that has held the point guard back. 

“You seen people lose confidence in their game and you’re like, ‘what happened to them?’ Green said during an appearance on “Podcast P with Paul George.” “Like Ben Simmons. Ben Simmons is the perfect example. Ben Simmons is still the same Ben Simmons we watched dominate in Philly. You know the only difference between in Philly and Ben Simmons now? It’s confidence. Once you lose your confidence, and I feel bad for people who lose confidence in their game. 

“I never lost confidence in my game, so I’ve still been able to have a really good career and be successful and do the things that I’ve done. But I know how it feels to lose confidence because I lost confidence in my shot.”

Simmons was traded to the Nets at the trade deadline in February of 2022 after holding out in Philly, but didn’t end up making his debut with Brooklyn until the following season. 

The 26-year-old mustered just 6.9 points, 6.3 boards and 6.1 assists last season for the Nets and played his final game of the year on Feb. 15 when a nerve impingement essentially forced him to miss the remainder of the campaign. 

Simmons had often been criticized over his reluctance to shoot, even when he’s had looks from close range. 

“I feel bad for people that lose their confidence in their game cause you’re still the same player,” Green said during the podcast. “Like you’re the same person that was going out there and would get 15 assists before someone blinked. And yet you don’t feel that you can do that no more because your confidence is gone.” 

Whether Green is on to something or not in terms of what has been the issue with Simmons, the Nets will need the guard to be at least a productive level next season. 

Simmons remains a key part of the Nets’ roster going forward after he is the only remaining member of the organization from Brooklyn’s superstar era and the team is still on the hook to pay him $77 million over the next two seasons. 

While the Nets are holding out Simmons can return to his once all-star form, others remain some what skeptical.