As the Brooklyn Nets approach training camp, fans are eager to see how the team's young players have developed. The Nets have entered a full rebuild with a focus on the next generation of NBA talent leading the team's efforts. However, many eyes will still be on one big name: former All-Star and Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons.
Simmons' woes with the Nets need no introduction. The bottom line is Simmons has not been able to stay healthy and on the court during his two-year tenure in the borough, playing just 57 total games. During those two years, Simmons' production has regressed below the All-Star level he once was at. Yet, fans received an exciting late-September update when NBA trainer Chris Brickley claimed Simmons was "healthy, moving very well," and is "better now than his All-Star seasons."
Simmons received another promising report on Sep. 20 which claimed he was a go to begin Nets training camp on Oct. 1 with no restrictions, according to Senior NBA Insider Chris Haynes.
Simmons had a back procedure during the spring of 2024 after an ailment shut him down for most of the 2023-24 season. He also suffered a back injury in 2022-23 that shut him down. It is great to hear Simmons is fully healthy and ready to contribute to the team, but can he finally get over the hump and experience a resurgence?
Why Ben Simmons will overcome his past woes and shine with Nets in 2024-25
In addition to Simmons being injury-free going into the Nets' regular season campaign, he has extra motivation to break out. Simmons is entering the final year of a five-year, $177 million contract he signed with the 76ers in 2019. The Nets owe him roughly $40 million in 2024-25. But after that, he will be an unrestricted free agent, unless the Nets extend him of course.
How Simmons performs during the upcoming season will not only determine his future with the Nets, but the NBA. If Simmons gets back to a high level and averages for example at least 10 points with a healthy amount of rebounds and assists, a steal and a half, and plays close to All-Defensive Team-caliber defense, Brooklyn might be enticed to resign him. If not, another contending team will vet for his services.
Simmons must immediately answer the questions of whether he can stay healthy and assert himself more on offense once 2024-25 starts. If he can at least do those things, he will have a shot at revitalizing himself for a brighter future.