Brooklyn Nets shooting guard Seth Curry has said it would be challenging for teammate Ben Simmons to get back in shape court after a one-year hiatus.
“Foremost, he has missed a whole season,” Curry told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. “It is going to be a challenge getting his rhythm back playing basketball.”
Curry explained that getting back to playing professional basketball after taking such a long time off was difficult because professional players had intense training every day. He argued Simmons would need time to get used to high-level playing. Nonetheless, Curry said Simmons was “a special talent”, and he would overcome the situation with his skills.
“Obviously, he is an All-Star-caliber player,” Curry said. “Obviously, he is trying to make the most of this offseason, get back healthy physically and mentally.”
After all, Curry said, “The Nets need him on the floor.”
Curry and Simmons have been teammates for several years. Previously, they played together for the Philadelphia 76ers. After that, both players were traded to the Nets. Their respective positions mean they work closely together to score for the team.
“He creates a lot of three-point shots for his teammates,” Curry said. “Obviously, it helps me a lot, to get good shots.
“The pick-and-roll game, and the hand-off game, the two-man game … he is a good guy rolling to the rim and finishing. Defensively … he can guard a lot of positions.”
However, it has been a while since Simmons had played on the court. The jury is still out for that.
Simmons’ career
Australia-born Simmons has participated in three All-Star games since his NBA debut in 2016 with the Sixers. He averaged 15.9 points, 7.7 assists, and 8.9 rebounds prior to his hiatus.
Simmons asked for a trade from the Sixers. The Sixers took James Harden and sent Simmons to the Nets on February 10 this year. However, he has not played for the Nets since his trade. The last time he hit the court was during the 2020-21 playoffs.
Sources have reported that the 1996-born basketball player has been dealing with mental health issues in the past years. He explained that it was not only related to the pressure of his career. He also had personal problems that took a toll on his mental health.
Earlier this year, Simmons had a herniated disc and underwent microdiscectomy surgery at a hospital in Los Angeles in May. In June, Simmons told the New York Post that he had begun the rehab process. He said he expected to be back in shape for the training camp.
Curry confirmed the statement, saying he had visited Simmons in rehabilitation centers several times.
“Just like I said, [he’s] been doing a lot of shooting, working, working on his body and being in the gym, so, from everything I have seen, hopefully, he will be out there ready to go come training camp,” Curry said.
The Nets are still arranging their roster composition. Amid trade requests from Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, what the team will do is still uncertain. However, Simmons will likely remain on the team for the time being.