Ben Simmons goes on a rant about dealing with pressure with Kyrie Irving out: "I always have pressure on me... There’s got to be some point where it’s just like, f**k"
Ben Simmons vented his frustration about the pressure he has played with lately. The Brooklyn Nets star hasn't gotten off to a good start this season, averaging a measly 5.2 points, 6.2 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. He has shot only 44.4% from the field and 46.7% from the free-throw line.
Simmons has been scrutinized massively since the 2021 playoffs. Entering a new season with a new team, the Aussie guard was expected to make a significant impact as an All-Star caliber player. However, Simmons has struggled to match those expectations.
At a recent press conference, Simmons went on a rant when asked if it was more pressurizing for him to play with Kyrie Irving sidelined. He said (via Brian Lewis):
"I always have pressure on me. Everything I do. It’s just like when does it max out, you know? There’s got to be some point where it’s just like, fu-k. It is what it is at this point. I realize that."
On if Ben Simmons feels more pressure w/ Kyrie out: "I always have pressure on me. Everything I do. It’s just like when does it max out, you know? There’s got to be some point where it’s just like, fu-k. It is what it is at this point. I realize that." #Nets
Ben Simmons has struggled to rediscover his mojo with the Brooklyn Nets. The Nets haven't been able to carve out a role for him in their offense, which has contributed to their underwhelming start to the season. Simmons' offensive woes have worsened since the 2021 playoffs. He is attempting a career-low 5.2 shots from the field and connecting on only 44.7% of his shots.
The Nets have been patient with the former Sixers star. However, the media and fans haven't let Simmons off the hook for his lackluster showings.
Also read: Brooklyn Nets missing $70 million from their lineup with Kyrie's suspension and Ben Simmons missing games: NBA analyst
Injuries playing a part in Ben Simmons' struggles
Ben Simmons didn't make his Brooklyn Nets debut until the 2022 preseason. Simmons endured a back injury after his trade move and had to undergo surgery to recover in the offseason. He made his return to the court after missing 400+ games, so he was going to take time to get going.
However, the injury seems to have hampered his rhythm longer than expected. It was a nerve injury, which takes time to heal. Simmons has looked off the pace to start the year and recently injured his knee. So it's not just the mental side of it, but physically he hasn't been in the ideal place to regain his peak conditioning.
He shed light on this regard after his team's 153-121 win, saying (via Nets Daily):
"It takes time, especially with a nerve injury. It takes 18 months for your nerves to fully heal. People don’t know that but over time, I’ll get better and better. Just keep pushing.”
Asked if the “rust” was getting knocked off each game, Ben Simmons said, “for sure. It takes time, especially with a nerve injury. It takes 18 months for your nerves to fully heal. People don’t know that but over time, I’ll get better and better. Just keep pushing.”
The Brooklyn Nets desperately need Ben Simmons to play to his potential soon. They are 6-8 to start the year. Kevin Durant hasn't had much support around him, with Kyrie Irving suspended after finding himself in the middle of another controversy while the rest of the roster has failed to produce the goods.
The team has also been poor defensively. This is where Simmons could help the team get better if he rediscovers his form. Simmons will also have more confidence offensively. If he can match up to his career scoring average of 15 points per game, he will bolster the Nets' hopes of turning things around.
Also read: Charles Barkley warns struggling Ben Simmons about facing a hostile Sixers crowd