Ben Simmons: The Unseen Backbone of the Nets — Teammates Weigh In

Death. Taxes. Ben Simmons coming off an injury.

But for jaded Nets fans who understandably don’t want to believe the hype, this time it’s not coming from the oft-injured Simmons, or his camp.

This time it’s coming from his Nets teammates, who repeatedly brought his name up unbidden Monday and said the former All-Star looks good.

Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) looks on during work outs at Brooklyn Nets Media Day. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

“I don’t look at it as a rebuild. I’m trying to win,” said Dorian Finney-Smith, pausing and adding, “Especially if Ben is Ben, I feel like we’ve got a good chance to win some games.”

OK, the problem with Simmons and health is that ifs turn into long shots.

“It’s my job to come in and compete,” Simmons said.

The point guard has missed 189 of 246 games over the previous three seasons with a bad back, nerve impingements forcing two microscopic partial discectomies in 2022 and again this past March.

“Even when I got traded here, I wanted — because I thought he was healthy — to play with him on the court. And in minicamp, we had a whole week where we played together, and it looked great. So I’m really excited about him being healthy,” Dennis Schroder said. “All the noise and social media, what everybody was saying about him, I’m really looking forward for him to shut everybody up.”

Nets guard Ben Simmons grabs a pass during Media Day at the HSS Training Center. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

No matter what Simmons does, it’s unlikely to shut up some of his detractors. But he and the Nets just want to see him get — and stay — on the floor.

As far as the online haters on social media, he’s not worried about that.

“It’s nothing to say to them because I don’t really know them. I’m here to play basketball. The priority is just to play and be healthy. So all the other stuff that’s been said, that’s just words from people that have something to say about something they don’t have an understanding of or information on,” said Simmons, who — at least at the moment — physically feels back to his old All-Star self.

“Yeah. I feel like when my body is healthy, that’s the confidence I always have, and that’s where I’m at right now. Physically I feel great and ready to go. And so it’s just getting reps, game reps and playing.”

Those camp reps will help him work out spacing issues with Nic Claxton. Still, the Nets are 31-26 the last two years when Simmons has played and just 46-61 when he didn’t.

For perspective, that’s a 45-win pace with, and 35-win pace without.

Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) at Brooklyn Nets Media Day at HSS Training Center. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

“I think people forget me as a player when I’m healthy. You know I can play basketball, I’m pretty good right?” asked Simmons, who unfortunately hasn’t been healthy often.

Now, with a $40.3 million expiring deal on a tanking team, it behooves him to stay fit as he heads to unrestricted free agency next summer.

“Yeah, for me it’s important just to be healthy. I want to play basketball at a high level and get the most I can out of my body. And that’s the focus. The money’s nice and all that, but I want to play and play healthy. At the end of the day, I love playing basketball. And that’s what I want to do.”

ets guard Ben Simmons (10) looks on during work outs at Brooklyn Nets Media DayNets guard Ben Simmons (10) looks on during work outs at Brooklyn Nets Media Day. Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Related Posts

Bronny James Stats Tonight: How Did the Lakers Rookie Perform in His Matchup Against LeBron’s Former Team, the Cavaliers?

Bronny James played his second NBA game against his father, LeBron James ‘ former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, on Wednesday. The Lakers suffered a blowout 134-110 loss. They waived the white flag early in the fourth quarter, giving Bronny the chance …

Read more

LeBron James Melts Hearts Online with Adorable Father’s Day Moment with His Daughter

Appearing on air with her famous father LeBron James, little princess Zhuri once again stole the spotlight. Basketball star LeBron James makes netizens crazy with his super cute dancing clip with his family, 5-year-old angel takes the spotlight  …

Read more

LeBron James and his son Bronny become the first father-son team to play together in NBA history

Sunday was a momentous night for LeBron James and his son Bronny. The duo shared the court for the first time in the NBA during the Lakers’ preseason game against the Suns, becoming the first father-son pairing to play together in league history. …

Read more

Ja Morant Honors Sister Niya with Exclusive Nike ‘Ja 2s’ Tribute!

Memphis Grizzlies All-Star guard Ja Morant paid tribute to his younger sister Niya Morant in the latest iteration of his signature “Ja 2” Nike sneakers, which he showcased in their home game against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. The shoe, which features …

Read more

Bronny James was born where?

Just by playing a few minutes in the NBA, Bronny James already holds a record. Nothing related to his performance, but being the first father-son duo to play in the NBA. Now that they’ve had their big moment, we have more clarity on Bronny. Before …

Read more

Cavs Honor Lakers’ Father-Son Duo LeBron and Bronny James with Heartfelt Tribute Ahead of Their Homecoming Return!

LeBron James and Bronny James have a history with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The LA Lakers rookie was born when his father career’s was just starting and spent a big chunk of his childhood in Cleveland, and was present when the Cavaliers won their first-ever …

Read more