Ben Simmons is a player who has tasted both the heights of individual glory and the depths of injury-riddled disappointments. Having played with the Brooklyn Nets for three seasons, Simmons' journey has been far from predictable. Plagued by back injuries, the former All-Star's career has been a roller coaster of incredible promise and frustrating setbacks.
Simmons' time with the Nets has seen him participate in a total of just 57 games. Last season was particularly grim as he managed to appear in only 15 games, averaging a modest six points per game. The primary culprit for his limited playtime has been persistent back issues, culminating in a microscopic partial discectomy in March to alleviate a nerve impingement. Fortunately, his agent has confirmed that Simmons has fully recovered from the surgery and is expected to participate fully in training camp.
"I think people forget me as a player when I'm healthy," Simmons said, a sentiment that rings all too true. Despite the setbacks, his self-belief remains unshaken. "I can play basketball, and I'm pretty good, right? So for me, it's just being consistent with [staying healthy]."
Such consistency in health will be crucial for Simmons, especially as he enters the last year of his contract—a year in which he is set to make a hefty $40.3 million. With the Brooklyn Nets having zero incentive to win games this season, the focus shifts squarely onto Simmons' ability to stay fit and perform at his peak.
A Glittering Past
It's easy to overlook Simmons' accomplishments given his recent struggles, but his resume speaks volumes. He has made one All-NBA team, three All-Star teams, and two All-Defense teams. His stellar 2020-21 season saw him finish 12th in MVP voting, a testament to his multifaceted talent on the basketball court.
Such accolades suggest that when healthy, Simmons can be a transformative player. This is not merely a hopeful aspiration but a well-documented fact. With the surgery now behind him, the question remains whether he can return to the form that once put him in the conversation among the league's elite.
The Road Ahead
Simmons' words reflect a steely determination we have seen before in other athletes who have faced similar trials. "I think people forget me as a player when I'm healthy," he reiterated, underscoring the widespread amnesia that can often envelop sports fans and pundits alike when discussing injury-plagued athletes.
His expected full participation in the upcoming training camp will be the first step toward proving the naysayers wrong. His talent has never been in doubt; it's his health that has been the elusive factor. If Simmons can stay on the court, not only does he bolster his team, but he also reminds everyone of the player he once was—and can be again.
The upcoming season thus stands as a critical juncture. Failure to stay healthy and perform could see Simmons' professional and financial fortunes take a significant hit. On the flip side, proving his doubters wrong could rehabilitate his legacy while also setting him up for his next big contract.
For now, all eyes are on training camp. Simmons' performance there could serve as a bellwether for the rest of his career. As he strives to regain his old form, one thing is clear: Ben Simmons' story is far from over.
