NBA player Ben Simmons criticised by pundits, ex-players after Aussie ruled out of Brooklyn Nets' vital playoff game

Critics have jumped on controversial NBA player Ben Simmons, after the Australian was a late withdrawal from a long-awaited debut for his team the Brooklyn Nets.

With their season on the line, down 3-0 in a seven-game series against Boston Celtics, the Nets needed every player at their disposal for the potential elimination game.

Simmons was widely expected to make his season and team debut in Game 4 after a lengthy ramp-up period while dealing with a back injury.

But ESPN reported that Simmons awoke with back soreness on Sunday, and he and the Nets agreed to play it safe and keep him out.

The former Philadelphia 76ers star was cleared for contact last week and participated in more live drills at practice, including a 4-on-4 drill.

The news of his absence from the key game prompted a storm of criticism from former players and pundits alike.

Former Indiana Pacers star Reggie Miller, now a television NBA pundit, took to social media to register his frustration with Simmons.

«Cmon MAN!!! Out for Game 4 when it was rumored you were going to make your debut,» he tweeted.

«This dude has ZERO competitive (fire emoji).

»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."

ESPN presenter Stephen A Smith joined in the criticism on-air.

«This is one of the most pathetic situations I have ever seen in my life,» he said.

«He ain't going to war, he ain't going to the octogon (MMA), he's not going in a boxing ring.

»It's pulling teeth to get this man to play basketball."

The number two seed Celtics defeated the number seven seed Nets 109-103 in Game 3 on Saturday night to move ahead by a daunting margin.

No team in NBA history has ever come back