Nets’ Ben Simmons talks health and impending return

Few players in the NBA have been more scrutinized in recent years than Ben Simmons.

After a less-than-smooth exit from Philadelphia – where he enjoyed success at the All-Star and All-NBA levels – he has yet to return to form in Brooklyn, having to sit out an entire season before returning from 2022 to 2022 Only played 57 games in 2024.

Now Simmons is trying to bounce back and prove the doubters wrong.

At the Brooklyn Nets media day on Monday, he said he would be at full strength to start the year. And even showed some much-needed confidence at the start of the season.

“I think people forget about me as a player when I’m healthy, I can play basketball, I’m pretty good, right?” Simmons said at media day. “For me it’s just about sticking with it consistently and staying on top of my body. Getting better every day and staying in the gym with these guys.”

Last year, Simmons played in just 15 games and failed to live up to his previous All-Star standards, averaging just 6.1 points per game.

There are now rumors that he is back in top form. And he himself seems to confirm these statements.

“We’re all hoping he’s healthy, and certainly he’s been doing well so far in the public gym and running,” Brooklyn general manager Sean Marks said. “I think for Ben [Simmons]people like to play with him. For us to look out here on the field and see how the pickup games are going and see him with a smile on his face and really enjoying being out there.”

Cam Thomas, probably Simmons’ best teammate at this point who averaged the most points on the squad last season, is also ready to return. “As Ben [Simmons] Games, the tempo is better, with baskets made, baskets missed.” He said, “I think if Ben is healthy all year, we’ll have a really good year.”

The Nets will open their preseason with a game against the LA Clippers on Tuesday, October 8th.

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