Ben Simmons is “100 percent healthy,” according to his agent, and ready to ball in 2023-24 for the Brooklyn Nets. AP Photo by Mary Altaffer
Ben Simmons has only appeared in 42 games, including 33 starts, since the Nets acquired him from Philadelphia in February of 2022.
Brooklyn is doubtlessly hoping for much more from the versatile playmaker this coming season, especially since Simmons appears to be on the road to a full recovery from a back injury that sidelined him since last February.
Simmons, who came to a joint decision with the Nets to sit out this month’s FIBA World Cup of Basketball in the Philippines, was deemed “100 percent healthy,” by his agent Bernie Lee last month, meaning the 6-foot-10 Melbourne, Australia native will not be limited once training camp begins.
Though Nets general manager Sean Marks shied away from orchestrating a big trade, either before or since the NBA Draft back in June at Downtown’s Barclays Center, getting a three-time All-Star like Simmons back healthy could prove to be Brooklyn’s biggest splash move.
Even if it is a year and a half after Marks shipped James Harden to the 76ers for the former top overall pick, who came along with Andre Drummond, Seth Curry and a couple of future first-round picks.
Simmons hasn’t been close to right since he got disillusioned with his situation in the City of Brotherly Love. He sat out the start of the 2021-22 season for Philadelphia with mental health issues before the Sixers dealt him here.
Then, knee and ongoing back issues sidelined Simmons for the remainder of the campaign, forcing him to watch as the Nets got swept out of the opening round of the playoffs by Boston.
Last season, Simmons returned and appeared primed to fit in alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as the Nets’ twin superstars continued their pursuit of…
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