After a forgettable debut season with the Nets, Ben Simmons is approaching “full form” in keeping with teammate Cam Johnson.
A 3-time All-Star, Simmons has been in Brooklyn since February 2022 following his inclusion in a blockbuster commerce that despatched James Harden to the Sixers.
But the Australian didn’t play in any respect that 12 months as he fought again and had psychological well being points, and was a diminished model of his All-Star document, as he acquired simply 42 instances final season.
Now that Simmons is greater than 15 months away from again surgical procedure he underwent final May, Johnson thinks the 27-year-old is returning to his former degree.
“He’s in a good place,” Johnson informed the New York Post from Team USA apply in Las Vegas.
“He says it’s progressing and he’s excited for the season. Can’t wait to see what he brings to the table this year. I expect if he’s not in shape he’ll be pretty close.”
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons has been struggling since he was traded to the franchise final 12 months
But teammate Cam Johnson, seen in Las Vegas, thinks we’ll see him at his greatest quickly
Simmons, who’s recovering from his again damage on the University of Miami, was eradicated by the Nets in March with the staff in playoff place.
And when he made it onto the sector for Brooklyn, Simmons was impressed.
The jump-shooting-averse guard averaged a profession low of 6.9 factors to associate with 6.1 assists.
Whether it was by his continued restoration from damage, his new environment, or his place on a then star-studded roster alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Simmons typically appeared missing in confidence as he made fewer than six subject targets per recreation.
His offensive match alongside middle Nic Claxton was additionally a priority early within the season, with Simmons finally falling into the rotation and serving as a backup.
Nevertheless, if he can return to his All-Star kind, the Nets’ ceiling may very well be raised considerably.
Simmons was typically present in avenue garments final season as he performed simply 42 of 82 video games
Mikal Bridges blossomed into a bigger position after coming into the Kevin Durant commerce from Phoenix, Johnson is a candy two-way participant and Claxton has established himself as among the finest edge guards within the league.
“He’s very important to us,” Johnson mentioned of Simmons. “There are things he does on the field that not many players in the NBA can do. And he adds something that is very valuable to myself, Spencer (Dinwiddie), Mikal (Bridges) and being able to set us up and get shots and play in flow like that.
“With him on the field, we become a better team.”
Simmons solely performed three video games with Johnson and Bridges after they arrived in Brooklyn from Phoenix.
He hopes to share the sector with them way more typically subsequent season.