Ben Simmons does not have the best memories from his time at the Philadelphia 76ers. He was booed by the fans relentlessly. However, the Australian basketball player does not hold any grudge towards the city or the people.
Recently in an interaction, he spoke about his plans for the upcoming season. While many people have written him off, Simmons still believes that he can be the NBA star he envisioned himself to be. The Brooklyn Nets will have a different goal next year and it may allow him to be the star player for the Nets.
“For me to come back and dominate people will be great,” Simmons said. “I don’t intend to come back the same player I was last (season), because that’s not even close to where I am. I get excited because I’m like, ‘Damn, I would (expletive) on the player I was last year.’”
He feels that he is in much better condition right now than compared to last season. Simmons just wants to enjoy his time on the court and play without any pressure. “But I know where I was at last year, so it’s easy to say that. But it’s just fun to go and do the thing that you love when you’re out there. That’s really it for me. I don’t really ask for too much.”
The Aussie star revealed that he sometimes breaks down the struggle that he went through in recent days. He believes that it gives him motivation to work harder. He feels that it is like a good test for him.
“Sometimes, I think about (my recent struggles). I’m like, ‘Damn, that’s a lot.’ Sometimes, I sit down and break it down. That was exhausting that I had to deal with all that. But I feel like there are different situations you can handle, and this is a good test for me. How much worse can it get?”
Simmons is looking to make a strong comeback and shut his doubters one at a time. The three-time All-Star has the talent and the temperament to achieve the greatest height. He just needs to play with a free mind and forget the recent years of struggle.
Even after all the bashing, trolling and booing given by the Philadelphia 76ers fans, Simmons still loves the city of Philadelphia and has no grudges as such. He even revealed that the Sixers are his preferred destination if he is ever traded.
“The injury and everything that was going on didn’t help,” Simmons said. “But I think it gave me a chance to really appreciate it. I’ll always have love for Philly. People always ask me like, ‘If you were to get traded again, where you want it to be?’ I always say, ‘Just Philly. Philly is a second home to me.’ And in time, you learn and grow as people.”
Last season was tough for Simmons as he struggled with various injuries. However, it was his first full season with the Brooklyn Nets where he only featured in 42 games and registered his worst stats averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
