As the upcoming NBA season draws near, all eyes are once again on Ben Simmons, the enigmatic player whose recent career has been marred by injuries and underperformance. After three seasons with the Brooklyn Nets, the Australian-born star has managed to play in only 57 games, a number that is shockingly low for a player of his caliber and expectation. Most recently, his back issues have kept him sidelined, restricting him to just 15 appearances in the previous season, during which he averaged a mere six points per game.
It’s a dramatic fall from grace for Simmons, who once held a spot among the league’s elite. He has one All-NBA team selection, three All-Star team selections, and two All-Defense team selections to his name. In the 2020-21 season, Simmons finished 12th in MVP voting, a testament to his versatility and defensive prowess. However, the player on the court last season seemed a shadow of his former self, burdened by the physical limitations imposed by his ongoing back problems.
A Crucial Surgery and Recovery
Earlier this year, in an effort to put his injury woes behind him, Simmons underwent a microscopic partial discectomy in March to alleviate a nerve impingement. The surgery has been a turning point, with his agent confirming that Simmons has fully recovered. "I think people forget me as a player when I'm healthy," Simmons remarked, emphasizing the importance of his health in realizing his potential on the basketball court.
With the start of the new season, Simmons is expected to participate fully in training camp, something that Brooklyn Nets fans and coaching staff have long awaited. "I can play basketball, and I'm pretty good, right? So for me, it's just being consistent with [staying healthy]," Simmons noted. His optimism is palpable, but whether he can maintain his health and return to his former All-Star level remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming season.
Contract Year Suppositions
Adding another layer to the complex narrative of Ben Simmons' career is the fact that he is entering the last year of his contract with the Nets. He is set to earn $40.3 million this season, a substantial figure that brings with it immense pressure and expectations, both from fans and the organization. His performance this year will not only determine his own future but could also influence the course for the Brooklyn Nets, a team with seemingly little incentive to win games this season.
The Nets, a team in transition, have faced their own share of challenges and changes, and the return of a fully healthy Simmons could be a surprising twist that alters their fortunes. However, for Simmons, the focus remains clear: stay healthy and remind the world what he's capable of. "I think people forget me as a player when I'm healthy," he reiterated, emphasizing his determination to reclaim his place among the league's elite.
Final Thoughts
As the training camp progresses and the new season looms, Simmons' journey will be closely scrutinized by analysts, fans, and critics alike. The road to redemption is fraught with obstacles, but Simmons' talent and previous accomplishments serve as a powerful reminder of what he can bring to the court. For now, the narrative is one of cautious optimism, with a player eager to prove that he can once again be a cornerstone in the NBA landscape.