Remember those confidence issues that plagued Ben Simmons in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals? Apparently, that’s a thing of the past now.
In fact, according to Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, the Nets star feels like Jordan despite having not played a single game this season.
Nets players have been challenging Ben Simmons in practice sources tell Bally Sports. One Nets player told Simmons in practice yesterday: “Make something happen in your life.” There has been no change in Simmons’ return timetable other than possibly later in playoffs.
One Nets fixture believes that Ben Simmons can play in later rounds and tells Bally Sports that Simmons’ swag is at an all-time high right now. “He walks around like he’s Jordan.”
One Nets fixture believes that Ben Simmons can play in later rounds and tells @BallySports that Simmons’ swag is at an all-time high right now.
“He walks around like he’s Jordan.” https://t.co/NJ2k9qJ5wt
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) April 12, 2022
Simmons, 25, may feel like Jordan, but he certainly hasn’t played like it.
While he brings a lot of valuable skills to the table as a playmaker and defender, his scoring limitations have made him a liability on offense for years. In four seasons, the Melbourne native has hit just five three-pointers. Since his sophomore year in the league, his scoring average has seen a dip from 16.9 points per game to just 14.3 in the 2020-21 campaign.
Still, there is reason to expect better going forward. In the aftermath of his debacle in Philly, he has a renewed sense of passion to prove he can still produce at a high level. With a new coach and new teammates in a brand new environment, we could see a whole new side to Simmons’ game.
“You’re gonna see him go to the next level,” said Ben’s trainer, Chris Johnson. “Change of scenery, change of coaches, change of environment. Being in a new situation and a new system. I looked at like D’Antoni, you look at Steve Nash. Steve Nash was a two-time MVP under D’Antoni. D’Antoni made James Harden MVP of the league. It’s something about his offensive coaching in a team structure that allows players to just.”
At the very least, it’s a good sign that the 3x All-Star has regained his confidence. At his worst, he was a talented player too afraid to take an open shot with a Championship on the line.
At his best, he could be a guy who proves all the haters wrong and helps lead the Nets to a Championship.
If walking around like Jordan helps him get there, more power to him.
