Nets’ Ben Simmons airballs a LAYUP as fans slate the humiliating fail but later redeems himself

Ben Simmons had a moment to forget Thursday night in Brooklyn after airballing a layup, much to the delight of some on social media. 

The Australian often comes under criticism from former players and the Twitterverse for his play, and in recent times, lack thereof. 

During the first quarter of Nets’ matchup vs. Dallas, Simmons seemingly got caught in two minds, unable to quickly decipher between a finger roll and a floater.

Ben Simmons airballed a layup attempt during the first quarter of the Nets’ game vs. Dallas

The result was an embarrassing airball which, of course, caught the eye of social media users.

One user wrote on Twitter, ‘Ben Simmons gettin paid millions to airball and foul out…I’m just sayin I can do that too.’

Meanwhile most were simply amazed at the rare feat. One Nets fan said ‘I’m happy to be patient with Ben Simmons because he hasn’t played in ages but airballing a layup. Come on bro.’

The Australian has been an asset on the defensive end since making his debut for Brooklyn

NBA fans reacted to the Australian’s bizarre play during the Nets’ matchup vs. the Mavericks

Meanwhile, one fan claimed they were actually left amazed by the fail as they wrote: ‘Airballing a layup is hard so in that respect, Ben Simmons is kinda amazing.’

Another added: ‘I just watched Ben Simmons airball a layup. Can’t make this up’

One suggested that Simmons could be playing himself out of the door in Brooklyn as they posted: ‘Ben Simmons’ last shot attempt as a Net.’ 

Fans continued to make light of Ben Simmons’ erroneous shot during the Thursday night game

Simmons did redeem himself later in the second quarter, putting in a right-handed layup from a Kevin Durant assist. 

Fans aren’t the only people who have recently been frustrated with Simmons, as Kyrie Irving echoed his exasperation during Wednesday’s loss to Milwaukee. 

The one-time NBA champion could be heard yelling ‘shoot it Ben’ during the third quarter as Simmons hesitated in the key before passing back to Kevin Durant. 

The former LSU star was once considered to be the heir to Magic Johnson in his earlier years

But following the Nets’ humbling loss to the Bucks, Irving told reporters to lay off the embattled Australian.

‘You guys keep coming in here asking me like what about Ben?’ Irving said postgame.

‘He hasn’t played in two years. Give him give him a f****** chance. We stay on his s**t…you just stay on him. But we’re here to give him positive affirmations and just let him hoop.

Nets guard Kyrie Irving was exasperated both during the game and at the podium postgame

‘While he’s hooping and getting back into it, we’re gonna have to really gel as a team in order to learn how to win as a group. 

‘It’s not an individual’s job to go out there and be Superman. He doesn’t have to. There’s no such thing, it’s made up anyway.’

Simmons and the Nets are currently trying to avoid a 1-4 start to the season against Luka Doncic and the 1-2 Mavericks. 

The three-time NBA All Star had a more aggressive presence on the offensive end Thursday