“That level of talent, IQ, motivation and drive — anything’s possible” – Kyrie Irving is optimistic about Ben Simmons returning to All-Star form, believes he’ll unlock his full potential as he gets healthy
Brooklyn Nets' All-Star guard Kyrie Irving is confident that teammate Ben Simmons will bounce back this season. During the Nets’ training camp this week, Irving spoke about playing with Simmons:
"That level of talent, IQ, motivation, and drive — anything's possible."
"He has that 'it' inside of him, so now we just have to slowly develop him where he knows that he can just go out there and be himself. We want him to be his highest potential of himself."
Irving also highlighted Ben Simmons’ unique skillset as an oversized playmaker and how he could benefit from it:
"Having a point guard 6-10, 6-11, I'm also a point guard, lead guard, whatever you want to call my position. It's good to get off the ball and have him get up and down the floor. It's going to take time obviously for him health-wise, but we're patient, so just wait for him to look like he's in All-Star form again, which I know will happen soon"
Kyrie Irving talks about the Nets integrating Ben Simmons and developing chemistry:
"Just wait for him to look like he's in All-Star form again, which I know will happen soon" https://t.co/agIMfxJuug
Meanwhile, head coach Steve Nash shed light on how he plans to use Ben Simmons this season.
"I'm not asking him to shoot it. If he's open and wants to shoot it I'm not going to be yanking him out of the game, but that's not what he does. For me, Ben is an incredible playmaker, he plays point guard, he's incredible in transition, he's a good screener. Those are the things that we need from Ben and that's what he's special at."
"I don't need him to shoot it, I'm not asking him to shoot it. If he's open and he wants to shoot it, I'm not going to yank him out of the game, but that's not what he does"
- Steve Nash on Ben Simmons https://t.co/9dh5fTqc5X
Brooklyn Nets’ expectations for Ben Simmons this season
Ben Simmons was acquired by the Brooklyn Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers back in February. Simmons sat out last season due to a back issue.
On “The Old Man & the Three” podcast with JJ Redick, Simmons spoke about his mental and physical issues last season:
"I was in such a bad place where I was like, f--k, I'm trying to get here and you guys are, like, throwing all these other things at me to where you're not helping. And that's all I wanted, was help.
"I didn't feel like I got it from coaches and teammates. I won't say all teammates, because there's great guys on that team that did reach out and are still my friends, but I didn't feel like I got that. It was just a tough place for me."
However, Simmons appears to be in a much better place physically and mentally at the moment. During the same podcast appearance, he also spoke about his excitement for the new season:
"I can't wait. I’m so excited. Got a new number, new jersey. I'm just looking forward to it.
"I think we have a special team. I think if we get it all together, we're going to be the champions. That's the end goal."
For Ben Simmons' full discussion on his strenuous 2021-22 season, watch the video below.
You can also check out Nick Friedell's full report on the Brooklyn Nets' training camp here.
Nets players and coaches seem to be saying all the right things so far. Hopefully for Brooklyn fans, it can translate onto the court as the team look to redeem themselves following their disappointing first-round loss against the Boston Celtics last time out.