Prior to Saturday's Game 3 between the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics, news reports were that Ben Simmons was making his debut in Game 4. Then Game 3 happened and the Celtics took a 3-0 series lead on the Nets. On Sunday, new reports have surfaced that Simmons is no longer playing in Game 4. From one perspective, some may say what is the point. After all, no team has ever erased a 3-0 series deficit in the history of the NBA. But others have a very different take, including Hall of Fame guard Reggie Miller.

“Cmon MAN!!! Out for Game 4 when it was rumored you were going to make your debut. This dude has ZERO competitive (FIRE).. As small a chance as the Nets have to come back in this series, you still have KD and Kyrie, all you need is to win ONE game and take it from there..#ManUp.”

That's about as scathing of a take as you can get. Miller is clearly calling out Simmons' competitive nature and desire to win. Obviously, the Nets need all the help they can get in this series.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)

The Celtics have completely shut down Kevin Durant, who is having the worst playoff series of his career by a country mile. Kyrie Irving, after exploding for 39 points in Game 1, has looked like just a guy since.

Simmons obviously would not have been adding much offensively, but he might have on defense. Simmons since entering the NBA was considered one of the best defenders in the league. The Celtics have mismatches all over the court against the Nets defense. That's something Simmons could have helped.