Ben Simmons, a name once ubiquitous in NBA circles, has seen his star power dimmed by a series of back injuries that have plagued his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets. Having played just 57 games over three seasons, the Australian point guard's journey has been anything but smooth. Yet, optimism surrounds Simmons as he heads into what could be a pivotal season, the final year of his lucrative contract.
A Rocky Path in Brooklyn
Simmons' time with the Nets has been marked by more missed games than moments of brilliance. Last season, he appeared in just 15 games, averaging a mere six points per outing. It's a far cry from the player who garnered three All-Star selections and made both the All-NBA and All-Defense teams. His struggles culminated in March with a microscopic partial discectomy, a procedure intended to alleviate a nerve impingement.
His agent has confirmed that Simmons has fully recovered from the surgery, and the player himself echoes this sentiment. "I think people forget me as a player when I'm healthy," Simmons remarked. It's a claim backed by his past performances, including a 12th place finish in MVP voting during the 2020-21 season.
Eyes on the Future
Coming off a tumultuous period, Simmons is expected to participate fully in the upcoming training camp. This full recovery is a beacon of hope for both Simmons and the Nets, even as the franchise appears to have little incentive to stack up wins this season. Building consistency and avoiding further injuries will be key for Simmons as he aims to remind everyone of his capabilities on the court.
"I can play basketball, and I'm pretty good, right? So for me, it's just being consistent with staying healthy," he stated, underscoring the importance of durability in his quest to reclaim his elite status. With the Nets in a rebuilding phase, Simmons' resurgence could offer a silver lining for a team in transition.
The Weight of Expectations
Financially, the stakes are high. Simmons stands to earn a notable $40.3 million this season, a reflection of past beliefs in his potential. This year, however, it’s about more than just justifying a paycheck; it's about restoring faith in his career trajectory.
As he embarks on this crucial season, Simmons is not short on motivation. The confidence in his voice is clear, and the focus on maintaining his health could make all the difference. "I think people forget me as a player when I'm healthy," he reiterated, signaling a fierce determination to change the narrative.
The Brooklyn Nets and their fans, while tempered in their expectations for the season, will undoubtedly keep a close watch on Simmons. If he manages to translate his past prowess into current performance, it could well mark a new chapter for both the player and the team.