The glimpses of his former brilliance were evident last Wednesday night in a game against the Charlotte Hornets. In just 23 minutes of play, Ben Simmons scored 10 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists while shooting 4-for-6 from the field, contributing to Brooklyn’s 104-83 win. However, Simmons admits that his mental game is still catching up to his physical abilities. “There are still moments when I do something for the first time and think, ‘Okay, I can do that.’ It’s about building confidence and getting back to a place where I can trust my body fully.”
Source: ScoopB.com
Source: ScoopB.com
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Erik Slater @erikslater_
Day’Ron Sharpe (left hamstring tightness) is questionable tonight vs. Wizards with left hamstring tightness.
Ben Simmons and D’Angelo Russell are available. – 12:56 PM
Day’Ron Sharpe (left hamstring tightness) is questionable tonight vs. Wizards with left hamstring tightness.
Ben Simmons and D’Angelo Russell are available. – 12:56 PM
More on this storyline
Simmons’ basketball IQ and hunger for the game have always been evident. He cites LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Dwyane Wade as his three primary influences growing up. “Those were the three people that I watched the most in terms of film and their games,” he shared. Simmons even reached out to Magic Johnson in 2019, expressing interest in working out with the Lakers’ president at the time. The NBA investigated whether this contact violated any rules, but ultimately found no issue. Simmons remains captivated by Johnson’s basketball brilliance. “Magic was dominant,” Simmons said. “He was 6’9”, could handle the ball, had great vision, and great feel for the game. People take passing and ball-handling for granted. There are some guys in the league who can’t dribble the ball. We call them ‘tunas.’ But Magic, LeBron, and Wade were the ones I studied the most.” -via ScoopB.com / February 5, 2025
He had recovered well from his foot injury, but back issues are a different beast. Simmons has shared his perspective on the difference. “I mean, I’ve had a broken foot and I’ve never thought about it again,” he told ScoopB.com in an exclusive interview. “But with the back, you use it every day. Everything is connected, so your back ties into your hips, legs and upper body. So, for me, it’s been a more difficult challenge, but I’m dealing with it.” -via ScoopB.com / February 5, 2025
Brian Lewis: Cam Johnson (right ankle sprain) and Ben Simmons (lower back injury management) both out for the #Nets tomorrow vs. the #Rockets. -via x.com / February 3, 2025