Ben Simmons has officially begun his third season with the Nets after being traded to the borough from the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons has had a lengthy battle with injuries during his time in Brooklyn, being shut down midseason two years in a row with back ailments. On top of that, Simmons' lack of offensive assertiveness has raised many questions about his mindset.
After NBA trainer Chris Bickley predicted Simmons would have one of his best seasons yet, the seventh-year forward has not quite risen to an elite level. Through the first three games of the 2024-25 season, Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists.
Despite his challenges in Brooklyn, Simmons is receiving something of great value that was lost in his 76ers days.
The gift of confidence
Ben Simmons was once hailed as one of the most productive two-way forces in the NBA. During his time with the 76ers, he earned three All-Star appearances, two All-Defensive Team honors, and one All-NBA Third Team honor. He was on a mission alongside Joel Embiid to bring a championship to the City of Brotherly Love. However, everything changed during Philly's 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks.
The 76ers were down 88-86 with three and a half minutes left in the fourth quarter of Game 7. Simmons put a spin move on one of Atlanta's defenders in the post and had a clear layup, but he passed the ball to Matisse Thybulle. Thybulle was fouled and shot free throws, but the Sixers ended up losing the game and the series.
After the crushing loss, former head coach Doc Rivers said he was not sure if Simmons could be a point guard on a championship-level team. That comment could have been one factor in the deterioration of Simmons' confidence. However, the Nets have already begun to build the former star forward back up.
Admittedly, Simmons has not quite performed to fans' and analysts' expectations during the 2024-25 season. He attempted just five shots and scored seven points during the Nets' 116-101 loss to the Orlando Magic on Oct. 25. But Jordi Fernandez recognized the greater potential in Simmons and challenged him to get his attempts up to 10 to 15 per game.
Fernandez said that greater assertion from Simmons will make the Nets better, showing that the head coach and the Nets believe and have confidence in him. But Fernandez is not the only one vetting for Simmons.
After the Magic loss, a fan heckled Simmons and loudly called him "trash" as players walked through the tunnel. Simmons asked the fan why did not give his comments when the forward was standing closer to him. Then, Dennis Schroder jumped in and scolded the fan for disrespecting Simmons. Schroder later said no matter what happens to his teammates, he will defend them.
Schroder's gesture is another move by the Nets that could inspire greater confidence in Simmons and show that he is valued.
Things are still not going perfectly for Simmons, but it is only a matter of time until he plays up to his potential and helps the young Nets ascend further.