The Brooklyn Nets will enter the 2024-25 season with an intriguing roster. One of the team's biggest X-factors will be rising seventh-year point forward Ben Simmons. Simmons has pressing questions he must answer for Brooklyn ahead of the upcoming year, but he is working to address those concerns. Simmons was spotted working out with former Philadelphia 76ers teammate Matisse Thybulle on Monday.
Simmons posted an Instagram story featuring him and Thybulle standing next to each other in the gym, as seen on ClutchPoints' X (formerly Twitter) page:
Former Sixers teammates Ben Simmons and Matisse Thybulle putting in work together 🤝
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 20, 2024
(via @MatisseThybulle) pic.twitter.com/YDE8QCzWaB
Simmons also added a picture of himself on a running track to his story. The former All-Star appears to be taking his conditioning seriously ahead of a crucial campaign.
Ben Simmons is entering the last year of his five-year, $177 million contract that he originally signed with the 76ers. His Nets tenure as not gone as expected, as his production has been hampered by injuries.
Simmons played just 42 games during the 2022-23 season due to a nagging back ailment that turned into season-ending surgery. One year later, he played a career-low 15 games after enduring similar issues that led to more surgery. As a result, Simmons has not been able to produce the way he once did, averaging no more than 6.9 points per game over his last two seasons. Nevertheless, there remains hope for a breakout during the 2024-25 season.
Ben Simmons bracing for breakout with Nets
When Simmons was on the floor during the 2023-24 season, his playmaking, transition play, and defense were game-changers for Brooklyn. After taking time off to tend to his back, Simmons made an incredible return against the Utah Jazz on Jan. 29. He nearly amassed a triple-double in just 18 minutes, totaling 10 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds along with two steals. That is the kind of performance that can change both Simmons' and the Nets' fate.
There is endless chatter about Simmons' lack of shooting; however, if he can channel his inner Defensive Player of the Year ability, that would be enough of a meaningful contribution.
It is great to see Simmons continuing to work on himself during the offseason. The Nets can use his experience and abilities as they approach an exciting 2024-25 season.