Former 76ers star Ben Simmons is fresh off a new deal with the Los Angeles Clippers and the vibes couldn’t be better right now. In his first press conference with his new team, Ben spoke up about the new opportunity and how he’s been set up for success.
“I think just speaking to Ty Lue, everyone was just very transparent. They know what I mean capable of and what they expect from me,” Ben said, via Joey Linn. “I think it’s easier when teams are transparent and understand what you are, what you need, how they can help, and how I can help them. So for me, I feel comfortable.”
Simmons made it a point to stress that he felt wanted by the 76ers, which contrasts greatly with his previous teams where things got borderline toxic in the locker room.
“I felt wanted,” said Simmons. “And that’s something you want when you go to work.”
Simmons, 28, has been playing since 2017 but things haven’t been the same since the 2020-21 season (his last with the 76ers) when he averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game on 55.7% shooting. Despite finishing first in the East that season, the team never made it past the Eastern semi-finals after a shocking series loss to the Hawks.
Simmons cut all ties with the team and outright refused to suit up until he was traded. Eventually, Ben was sent to play for the Brooklyn Nets but he was a shell of himself for the team. In 90 games for the franchise, Simmons averaged just 6.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game on 54.7% shooting.
Amid his struggles on the court, Ben was still making roughly $40 million per year and his contract was often cited as the worst in the NBA. Currently, he’s in the final year of his deal worth $40.3 million.
So if Ben wants to secure another long-term NBA contract, he’ll have to prove himself over these next few months and prove that he can still be a consistent contributor to a playoff team.
Alongside Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Tyronn Lue, the pieces are there for Simmons to succeed but it ultimately falls on him to find his role on the Clippers and play it to perfection. With skills as a ball handler, defender, and finisher around the rim, Ben brings even more depth to a well-stocked team.
If he can somehow find his All-Star form again, it could just push the Clippers up into another level of contention. At 29-23, the franchise is 6th in the West and they have a chance to secure a top-six seed if they finish the season strong.
Simmons can certainly help them get better but since we haven’t seen him make a consistent impact on any team in years, it’s wise to wait and see how he plays before drawing any conclusions. For now, it’s good enough that the vibes are positive and Clippers fans are hoping that it’s a sign of great things to come.
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