Nets’ Ben Simmons ‘grateful’ to be back on court, ready to lead by example
It’s been a frustrating start to his Nets tenure for Ben Simmons.
The point guard hasn’t played much over the past two seasons since being acquired in the James Harden blockbuster deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Simmons missed the 2022 season and then was limited to just 42 games last year due to knee and back injuries. He was shutdown for the rest of the campaign in late March, but has been rehabbing all summer and faces no restrictions heading into training camp.
While things haven’t quite gone as planned for the former top overall pick, the two sides are hoping that changes this year. Simmons told reporters on Monday afternoon at Nets Media Day that it’s amazing to be back and he’s feeling great both physically and mentally.
“This is the best I’ve felt in a long time,” he said. “I get to do my job and that’s a blessing, I don’t take it for granted. I just come and do my job to the best of my ability and I’m just grateful to be back and on the court and doing what I love.”
Simmons, who has been flying around during 5-on-5 sessions, has been drawing nothing but praise from his teammates and coaches.
“He’s looking a lot better, he’s feeling lot better, and he’s a lot more confident in himself,” center Nic Claxton said. “I know he’s ready to get out there and has a lot of people he wants to prove wrong. He wants to get back to his old self.”
“This is the most explosive I’ve seen him since I’ve been around him,” head coach Jacque Vaughn added. “He’s getting to the rim, getting there with force, and doing it over and over again which is great to see.”
Simmons not only battled more injury issues last season, but when he was out there, he was widely inefficient. He averaged just 6.9 points, 6.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds, all of which were career-low marks.
With a newfound confidence heading into this season, though, the three-time All Star guard is hoping to step up as one of the top guys for this team both on and off the court.
“I’m the point guard and I'm one of the older players now, so I want to be a leader,” he said. “Just want to set the example and lead by example. Just doing what I can on the court to help my teammates win and trying to get better everyday and build that chemistry.”
Though the Nets don’t quite have the star power they’ve had in recent years, Simmons went on to say that’s he’s excited for this teams potential and he’s looking forward to getting a fresh start for everybody.
“It’s kind of scary,” he said. “When you have multiple guys on the floor who can guard one through five, that’s just going to lead to pace in transition. It’s exciting to have guys on the floor who are very talented in that area.
"It’s great for everybody to have a settle start to where we know our teammates and coach and we can build a real identity."
