Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons described the feeling of being healthy once again as “amazing” as he looks to remind the NBA of just how good he can be.
Simmons had an injury-riddled 2021/22 season but has worked immensely hard in the off-season to build his fitness ahead of the new campaign.
In a change to previous years, Brooklyn enters the season largely devoid of superstar talent as James Harden, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving were all traded to rivals.
It leaves Simmons as the biggest name on the roster and now that he’s healthy, the Aussie is ready to take up the mantle.
Simmons confirmed his status at Brooklyn’s media day, claiming he’s “back to five-on-five” and “back on the court and playing” in a pleasing update.
It’s why the former Philadelphia star feels better than ever.
“(I feel) Amazing, I can just do my job and that’s a blessing,” Simmons said.
“Every day, I don’t take for granted. I just come in here and do my job to the best of my ability.
“I’m grateful to be back, just on the court, playing and doing what I love.”
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It’s easy for Simmons to hype himself up ahead of the new season, but even his Nets teammates had rave reviews for how he looked in what is a scary warning for the rest of the league.
“Looks good, like, real good,” Mikal Bridges said.
“And that’s just a big factor for us, on what we want to be, what we’re trying to get to.
“I mean, happy that he’s healthy, and I know he’s feeling good.
“But he’s been looking good and is having fun out there, I think that’s the biggest thing.”
Crucial to Simmons flourishing this season will be his relationship with Nets coach Jacque Vaughn.
The two didn’t always see eye-to-eye last season as a result of Simmons’ fitness struggles, something which Vaughn now has a greater understanding of.
The Nets coach also observed a number of Simmons’ workouts in Miami during the off-season and described the experience as a “revelation” having seen the Aussie’s true physical capabilities.
Simmons himself conceded his relationship with Vaughn was “a little up-and-down” to begin with but believes the effort he showed in front of the coach was crucial to earning his trust.
“I mean, it’s hard for a coach to really trust and believe in you when he’s not seeing it, right?” Simmons said.
“And I’m not able to physically do it … as a coach, I’d do the same thing. I’m not gonna play you when you’re not able to compete and do the things I know you can do, right?
“So I think just this summer, I’ve taken the time to get healthy obviously. He came down to Miami a few times and saw me, I think that’s what it was.
“He’s able to see me get healthy, put the work in, and put the time in and focus on myself and show him that I want to play at this level and be the point guard and do these things.
“So I think that comes with grace. When you put that work in, you’re gonna get grace from the surrounding people, your teammates, your coaches, and staff.”