When Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets appeared in the NBA preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 3, he played his first formal game since June 20, 2021.
Judging by his performance against the 76ers, his defense, agility, athleticism and orchestrating were all still there. So were his problems of lacking shooting ability outside the paint.
As a 2.11-meter-tall point guard and a two-time All-Defensive First Team selection, Simmons is capable of playing a key role in the Nets where he has two top scorers Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving as teammates.
As a professional player, Simmons' reputation couldn't get any worse after his behavior in the past 470 days, including passing up an open dunk in clutch Game 7 and refusing to play for the 76ers. Will the 2022-23 season in the Nets become a turning point for his career?
Ben Simmons (#10) of the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City, October 3, 2022. /CFP
Ben Simmons (#10) and Kevin Durant of the Brooklyn Nets during the NBA preseason game against the Miami Heat at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York City, October 6, 2022. /CFP
Host: Li Xiang
Guest: Matthew Watson
Cover designer: Feng Yuan
Chief editor: Chen Ran
Supervisor: Zhang Shilei