Ben Simmons didn't have a good time in the NBA last season. He was part of an ugly trade saga where he made it clear that he wanted to leave the Philadelphia 76ers. His request was eventually fulfilled by the franchise as he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in a trade package around James Harden.
But Simmons' hardships didn't end there as he was unable to get fit in time to actually play for the Nets. Many fans even blamed him for not showing up to help the franchise when they needed him the most.
Many have already forgotten him for his actions and hope that he does his best in the 2022-23 NBA season. Even before the season started, he was already getting showered with good news.
He recently reached a settlement agreement with the 76ers to get an undisclosed amount back from the $20 million in salaries that the franchise withheld from him.
Following that, NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith recently revealed a few key details about Simmons' mindset heading into next season. For starters, Smith revealed that Simmons is ready to go next season and wants to prove his worth again.
Apart from that, Stephen A. also talked about if Simmons is bothered by all the Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant drama regarding their respective futures with the franchise.
"Ben Simmons is planning to resurrect his career. That's what he tells me. He don't care about. Listen, loves KD, Kyrie, but he ain't worried about them. He's showing up for himself. He was my defensive player of the year two years ago, my defensive player.
Kyrie Irving is a superstar, and he's box office, but he's playing for a new contract. With them, I get to the playoffs. KD, you wanna sit at home? That ain't his character. That ain't his character. I don't believe it for one second. But guess what? I'd take my chances. I ain't moving him. Not this year. Next year, yes. This year? Hell, no. You ain't going nowhere."
The Nets fans are in some dire need of good news, and this should definitely serve as a piece of good news for them.
The best case scenario for the franchise's fans would be KD, Kyrie, and Simmons, at least giving it a shot at playing together. As things stand right now, that seems like the most probable outcome. But we will truly know about it in the coming days.
More must-reads: