PHILADELPHIA–Embattled Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons has battled a ton of adversity over the past year and a half or so. The versatile star player has been dealing with mental health issues as well as physical ailments and it has been a long road back for him.
To begin his Nets career, Simmons was averaging just 5.2 points, 5.9 assists, and 6.2 rebounds. Way off his career averages of 15.6 points, 7.6 assists, and 8.0 rebounds and there was concern that the former star just might not be a star anymore.
However, in the past three games, Simmons has begun to have some success. He is averaging 16.0 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists as he appears to have found his groove out on the floor.
“Just pushing each day,” said Simmons. “Whether I’m having a bad game or a great game, just knowing I’m building. Little plays and just continue to build on what I’ve been doing. As obviously, you can see the last few games, I’m getting closer and closer, but I gotta keep that up.”
It helps Simmons that he has a familiar face with him in the form of Seth Curry who was his teammate in Philadelphia. Curry is an elite shooter so it helps that he can be available for Simmons to kick out to on his drives.
“The past week or two, he’s been a lot more upbeat and positive about himself about his game,” Curry said of Simmons. “Bringing great energy. He’s played well last few games and I think part of that’s just him getting more healthy. Obviously, he had some mental stuff he had to get over, but you can tell he just wasn’t right physically either. I think a lot of physical stuff that, personally, is just frustrating when you can’t go out there and do the stuff you’re used to and be yourself.”
Curry and the Nets know and understand just how good Simmons is so they’re willing to remain patient with him. There have been positive signs over the past few games and that’s something Brooklyn can hang their hat on.
“You’re fighting a physical battle while also trying to help the team win and produce,” Curry added. “He’s been good. Me personally, I’m trying to be out there and make his life easier and make him more comfortable on the floor. We have good chemistry, so I’m trying to do my part to help him as well.”