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NY Knicks: The Reverse NBA Awards

By Avishai Sol

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 08: JaKarr Sampson #14 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 8, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 08: JaKarr Sampson #14 of the Indiana Pacers is seen during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 8, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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NBA Awards
Ben Simmons. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Reverse NBA Awards: The Jeff Green Award for Most Talented-Yet-Disappointing-Player

  1. Ben Simmons
  2. Kristaps Porzingis
  3. Marvin Bagley lll

We had such high hopes!

Marvin Bagley‘s had it rough. Between being drafted into the swamp that is the Sacramento Kings, all the nagging injuries both big and small, the off-court drama and it’s been tough to watch for people who remember the monster he was his one year at Duke. Bagley showed the kind of ferocity and athleticism that makes any great NBA big man, but since entering the league he’s been unable to find his footing and that same swagger as before. Not all his fault, but we still wish we’d seen more from him this year.

Kristaps Porzingis has had similarly struggled with fit and injuries, but rather than be a high draft pick who hasn’t panned out yet, KP is an All-Star who is now losing minutes to Maxi Kleber in the rotation.  As Knicks fans, we can’t help but feel a little smug. Trading him for picks and pieces was nice, but it also gave us the cap space we needed to sign Randle. Porzingis’s trade value has plummeted since then, so just imagine what the Knicks would look like now had they not shopped him to the Mavs. No Randle, and coddling a walking injury risk who hasn’t realized he’s not the #1 guy anymore.

Ben Simmons winning this award might cause some raised eyebrows. He’s an all-star, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, the second man on one of the best teams in the league, and yet we still consider him a bit of a disappointment. Is that right?  Is that fair?

Yes, and here’s why. Remember when Simmons put up 42 points 9 rebounds and 12 assists to beat the Jazz in February? He was attacking the basket, being aggressive, getting to the line, and using his world-class vision to make his teammates better. He was incredible, but to a 76ers fan it must’ve felt like a slap in the face when he turns around and has a 7 point, 2-5 night a week later.

Simmons can be so good when he decides he wants to be, but whether it’s a mental thing or a system thing or whatever, he doesn’t always want to be. The two greatest physical athletes in the NBA today are Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ben Simmons. One of those guys wants to dominate every night, the other doesn’t, and until he decides he does he won’t get any better than this.