Nets Newcomer Ben Simmons: Nobody To Blame In Ordeal With 76ers

February 15, 2022

Ben Simmons addressed the media for the first time in nearly a year and for the first time ever as a member of the Nets.

He spoke about his time with the 76ers, which ended strangely, but Simmons insisted that’s not really anyone’s fault.

Simmons, of course, hasn’t played since a basketball meltdown in the Eastern Conference semifinals vs. the Hawks. The 76ers were upset in the series and Simmons’ inability to shoot from the perimeter or the free-throw line came under a microscope.

You know the story from there, as the 76ers looked to trade Simmons and Simmons has yet to appear in a game.

“For me, it was just making sure mentally I was right to get out there and play again,” Simmons said at his introductory press conference. “That’s something I’ve been dealing with, and it wasn’t about the fans or coaches or comments made by anybody. It was just a personal thing for me.

“That was earlier than that series or even that season that I was dealing with, and that organization knew that. So it’s something that I continue to deal with, and you know, I’m getting there and getting to the right place to get back on the floor.”

Simmons’ Brooklyn debut is still to be determined, but it is believed he will in fact play. And the Nets shouldn’t have to wait too long. Well before the playoffs, they are expected — or at least hopeful — they will have Simmons, a healthy Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving all in uniform.

Simmons predicted that such a lineup is “going to be scary.”

For now, though, the Nets will be patient as they await the debut of their new Big Three.

“We have to put him in a position to have the necessary conditioning underneath him and to feel safe with it,” Nets coach Steve Nash said. “And then he also has to feel confident and comfortable that the time has come. So whenever that is, hopefully there’s a great partnership on those decisions.”