Ben Simmons' tenure with the Brooklyn Nets has been marked by a series of highs and lows, largely driven by his persistent back injuries. Since joining the team, Simmons has played in only 57 games over three seasons, a modest figure for a player of his caliber and reputation. The challenges reached a peak last season when he appeared in just 15 games, averaging six points per game—a shadow of his earlier performances.
Despite these setbacks, there is renewed optimism surrounding Simmons' potential impact on the court as he enters the last year of his contract, with an eye-catching $40.3 million salary for the season. Simmons underwent a microscopic partial discectomy in March to address a nerve impingement that had exacerbated his back issues. According to his agent, he has fully recovered from the surgery, sparking hope that he can return to the form that made him one of the league's premier players.
Simmons himself remains confident in his abilities, keenly aware of the skepticism that his injuries have engendered. "I think people forget me as a player when I'm healthy," he asserted. "I can play basketball, and I'm pretty good, right? So for me, it's just being consistent with [staying healthy]."
As the Nets prepare for the upcoming season, Simmons is expected to participate fully in training camp, a crucial step in regaining his stride. The franchise has scant incentive to prioritize wins this season, a circumstance that could allow Simmons to focus on achieving full fitness without the immediate pressure of leading the team to victory.
His pedigree is undeniable: three All-Star selections, one All-NBA team appearance, and two All-Defense team honors. During the 2020-21 season, Simmons finished 12th in MVP voting, underscoring his capability as a top-tier player when fully healthy. The Nets will be hoping that these accolades are not just a part of Simmons' past but a predictor of his potential resurgence.
The coming months will be critical for the 27-year-old, who seeks to silence the doubters and return to the form that once had him pegged as one of the league's rising stars. The Nets and their fans are waiting with bated breath, eager to see if Simmons can reclaim his status as a basketball powerhouse. With his health ostensibly restored, the stage is set for a possible comeback narrative that could redefine his career trajectory.
As the adage goes, actions speak louder than words. For Simmons, those actions will be scrutinized closely as he steps onto the court this season. Whether he can navigate his injury history and leverage his talent to impact the game remains to be seen. What is certain is that Simmons will have every opportunity to remind the basketball world of what he can do when he's at his best.
"I think people forget me as a player when I'm healthy," he added, echoing a sentiment that has the potential to transform from aspiration to reality as the NBA season unfolds.