Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons described the sensation of being wholesome as soon as once more as “superb” as he seems to remind the NBA of simply how good he may be.
Simmons had an injury-riddled 2021/22 season however has labored immensely laborious within the low season to construct his health forward of the brand new marketing campaign.
In a change to earlier years, Brooklyn enters the season largely devoid of celebrity expertise as James Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have been all traded to rivals.
It leaves Simmons as the most important identify on the roster and now that he’s wholesome, the Aussie is able to take up the mantle.
Simmons confirmed his standing at Brooklyn’s media day, claiming he’s “again to five-on-five” and “again on the court docket and taking part in” in a delightful replace.
It’s why the previous Philadelphia star feels higher than ever.
“(I really feel) Wonderful, I can simply do my job and that’s a blessing,” Simmons mentioned.
“On daily basis, I don’t take with no consideration. I simply are available right here and do my job to one of the best of my capacity.
“I’m grateful to be again, simply on the court docket, taking part in and doing what I like.”
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It’s simple for Simmons to hype himself up forward of the brand new season, however even his Nets teammates had rave opinions for the way he seemed in what’s a scary warning for the remainder of the league.
“Seems good, like, actual good,” Mikal Bridges mentioned.
“And that’s only a huge issue for us, on what we wish to be, what we’re making an attempt to get to.
“I imply, glad that he’s wholesome, and I do know he’s feeling good.
“However he’s been wanting good and is having enjoyable on the market, I believe that’s the most important factor.”
Essential to Simmons flourishing this season can be his relationship with Nets coach Jacque Vaughn.
The 2 didn’t all the time see eye-to-eye final season because of Simmons’ health struggles, one thing which Vaughn now has a larger understanding of.
The Nets coach additionally noticed a lot of Simmons’ exercises in Miami through the low season and described the expertise as a “revelation” having seen the Aussie’s true bodily capabilities.
Simmons himself conceded his relationship with Vaughn was “a little bit up-and-down” to start with however believes the trouble he confirmed in entrance of the coach was essential to incomes his belief.
“I imply, it’s laborious for a coach to actually belief and consider in you when he’s not seeing it, proper?” Simmons mentioned.
“And I’m not capable of bodily do it … as a coach, I’d do the identical factor. I’m not gonna play you whenever you’re not capable of compete and do the issues I do know you are able to do, proper?
“So I believe simply this summer season, I’ve taken the time to get wholesome clearly. He got here all the way down to Miami a number of occasions and noticed me, I believe that’s what it was.
“He’s capable of see me get wholesome, put the work in, and put the time in and give attention to myself and present him that I wish to play at this stage and be the purpose guard and do these items.
“So I believe that comes with grace. If you put that work in, you’re gonna get grace from the encircling individuals, your teammates, your coaches, and workers.”