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“He’s Back”: 8 Months After Driving Kevin Durant Out, Ben Simmons’ Smooth Play Has Fans Predicting a “Redemption Season”

Published 10/12/2023, 10:49 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

After enduring years of disappointment, the Brooklyn Nets are gearing up for the NBA season with renewed optimism. Although their star trio of James Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving has moved on, one familiar face has stayed: Ben Simmons. Despite grappling with his share of challenges, both on and off the court, Simmons exudes excitement for his return ahead of the training camp. During an interview, he confidently declared his intent to return as a vastly improved and transformed player.

Despite the skepticism from fans, Simmons is resolute in his commitment to assume a leadership role in Brooklyn. He stressed that he would take charge of orchestrating the offense and step into the point guard position. In a recent game against Maccabi Ra’anana, Simmons showcased his dedication to this new role.

Ben Simmons looks more confident than ever

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Maccabi Ra’anana is an Israeli National League team. It embarked on the first of three NBA matchups against the Brooklyn Nets. Their next two games are set for consecutive showdowns with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Despite an explosive 39-point quarter, Maccabi Ra’anana found themselves in a trailing position. Even after amassing an impressive 60 points by halftime, they lagged behind the Nets by 14 points. The game ultimately concluded with a score of 135-103 in favor of the Nets. During the game, Ben Simmons showcased his newfound confidence, particularly with a post-up play near the basket.

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Ra’Anana put on a commendable performance throughout the game, with four players reaching double-digit scoring. However, the Nets, led by Mikal Bridges, boasted an impressive total of six players in double digits.

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Fans showcase a change of heart regarding Simmons

Simmons’s proclamations about the 2023-34 NBA season spread like wildfire. After all, he had long been one of the most anticipated prospects. With his imposing physique, guard-like agility, and playmaking ability, Simmons automatically promised electrifying moments for fans. Following a brief exhibition of his silky on-court skills, fans couldn’t contain their effusive praise for the Nets’ star.

@MobHoops couldn’t resist revisiting Simmons’ recent claims and simply wrote, “Redemption season wow,” hinting at expectations for consistently elite performances from the 27-year-old.

Another user, @xKingRei, who claimed to have witnessed the spectacle live, commended Simmons for incorporating a midrange game into his arsenal. They further elaborated their claim and its benefit for the Nets’ star.

Furthermore, echoing a similar sentiment, fan @Rashee_longway cheered Simmons on for his evident dedication to improving in the gym.

Considering Simmons’ recent track record, another fan speculated that Ben might be a strong contender for the Most Improved Player award this season, stating, “Most improve player next season.”

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Even a Kyrie Irving fan page, @kyrieshub, couldn’t contain their excitement for Simmons’s return, exclaiming, “HE’S BACK!!!!”

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For the next game, Ben Simmons will face his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers. In case of solid performance, Simmons can significantly cement fans’ belief in his leadership role on the roster.

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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:

Sameen Nawathe