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“Everyone’s a GM in Their Head”: Returning Back to His Mastered Position, Ben Simmons Claps Back at Critics

Published 09/19/2023, 1:13 AM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

Ben Simmons has been drawing raging flak over his demeanor in recent times. But it’s hardly ruffling any feathers as the Aussie has mostly responded with silence. The stance however backfired after his overall assessment took a significant hit last season. The 2022-23 NBA outing proved to be the nadir of Simmons’ career in the league.

Even individuals like Shaquille O’Neal, who previously supported Simmons, have taken jabs at the young all-star in recent times. However, in a recent interview on FS1, Simmons radiates newfound confidence and optimism. Furthermore, he signals his determination to make a triumphing return to the NBA.

Simmons shuts down critics with his confident hardwood return

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In a blockbuster 2022 trade deadline move, Ben Simmons arrived in Brooklyn at the sacrifice of former MVP James Harden. However, Simmons didn’t step foot on the court that season, citing both mental health challenges and back problems. Nevertheless, he’s now poised for a hardwood comeback. Furthermore, he has an exciting twist in his role on the team.

Simmons is gearing up to take on the role of point guard for the Nets. Moreover, confident in his position, he strongly countered fans and NBA pundits who claimed he was not fit for the role. In an interview with FOX’s Tina Cervasio, he asserted, with a confident smile, “That’s what I am. I’m a point guard. As much as people try to put me in, everyone’s a GM in their head. I’m a point guard.”

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Simmons’ ability to handle the ball and his enthusiasm for dishing assists make him a natural point guard. Moreover, as the sole all-star on the roster at the moment, he can be the perfect leader for the revamped Nets.

Carefree About Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving’s Betrayal, Confident Ben Simmons Shares Exciting Words for Nets Fans

Simmons is thrilled to return, especially in a leading capacity this time. However, multiple experts have suggested that his complete recovery could take up to 18 months. This timeline will put Simmons on track to be at 100 per cent by November.

Ben Simmons is excited for the upcoming season

The Brooklyn Nets‘ attempt to construct a superteam yielded different results than the intended upshot. Nevertheless, there’s a newfound sense of optimism as the team prepares to unleash their youthful roster. Furthermore, the team has nothing to lose and is driven by a desire to prove themselves without fear of failure.

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When asked about his excitement for the upcoming season, Ben Simmons expressed, “I think just playing with guys who are easy to play with. Who just have one goal, and that’s to win. I don’t think guys have too many individual goals.”

USA Today via Reuters

While Mikal Bridges is seen as the presumed leader, Ben Simmons’ intriguing perspective positions him near, if not at, the top of the hierarchy. Additionally, bolstering the squad are talents like Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton. Furthermore, the Nets boast a mix of seasoned veterans, including Royce O’Neale, Spencer Dinwiddie, and Dorian Finney-Smith. Moreover, they have acquired promising young and athletic talents like Lonnie Walker IV, Dennis Smith Jr., Trendon Watford and Darius Bazley – all under 25 years of age.

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If Simmons manages to spark some of his potential and magic from his early days, it could provide a significant boost to the Nets. Especially given their need for a pass-first point guard.

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at Essentially Sports. He has been writing articles and blogs for 5 years now, including those for a sports brand that manufactures knee braces, for a Red Bull athlete in 2019 and for a documentary of an Ultra Running Coach in 2021. There’s plenty Saahil can write about why he likes basketball, having followed the NBA for more than 10 years, but he is most keen on picking out various offense/defense strategies, on/off-court decisions, roster changes in crunch time and other underrated key elements that leave an impact on the scoreboard.
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Edited by:

Bilal Handoo