Ben Simmons has but to take the courtroom for the Clippers, however after his first full apply with the group, he seems contemporary and rejuvenated. Either side are relying on a change of surroundings to assist him rediscover his All-Star kind.
Simmons is coming off a turbulent 2 1/2 seasons with the Brooklyn Nets marked by accidents, unfulfilled expectations and criticisms. Now, he’s seeking to transfer previous these struggles and contribute to a Clippers group that holds the No. 6 seed within the Western Convention simply days earlier than the All-Star break.
“I simply need to compete, no matter all of the bulls—- mentioned on-line,” Simmons mentioned. “I’m right here to try this, and taking part in alongside a few of these nice gamers… Everybody’s simply going to push one another to be higher and anticipate greatness.”
The Clippers (29-23) are rolling the cube on the oft-maligned Simmons, who sees the transfer as a snug match. He joins a veteran squad led by Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and James Harden — whom he was traded for on the 2022 deadline, sending him to Brooklyn and Harden to Philadelphia.
Making the choice to return right here, I felt wished,” Simmons mentioned. “That’s one thing you need to really feel if you go to work.”
Simmons has welcomed the transfer to L.A., which he anticipated due to his longtime relationship with Clippers coach Tyronn Lue. The 2 almost linked in Philadelphia when Lue was a earlier teaching candidate, and their relationship goes even additional again to when Simmons was with Klutch Sports activities, which represents Lue.
Simmons had a number of suitors after being launched by the Nets and mentioned conversations with Lue and the franchise’s honesty about his function in the end attracted him to L.A.
“Everybody was simply very clear,” Simmons mentioned. “They know what I’m able to and what they anticipate from me. I’m prepared to offer that and able to go.”
Simmons’ rapid function is to return off the bench as the purpose guard for the second unit. His important focus might be pushing the ball and offering a defensive presence, bolstering one of many NBA’s prime two defenses and creating robust matchups because the group enters the second half.
“I spoke to some totally different groups, that was the very first thing they [the Clippers] mentioned to me, ‘We see level guard,’” Simmons mentioned. “That’s my place… I need to get my guys going, get them simple buckets, management the tempo. After which, on the defensive finish, I need to be a canine.”
Simmons has performed in 33 of the Nets’ 52 video games, beginning 24. He’s averaging 6.2 factors, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists over 25.4 minutes per sport.
Lue acknowledges it is going to take time to determine the place Simmons suits within the scheme, saying, “You might have a degree guard who can play each heart and level, so it relies on which unit he’s with.” There may be an expectation that there might be a studying curve as Simmons integrates into the rotation and will get a really feel for the way the Clippers need the second unit to play.
He’s one in every of a number of newly acquired gamers, becoming a member of others added across the commerce deadline. Lue believes the group excels at serving to gamers modify to a brand new setting, providing them a much-needed reset.
“Giving somebody a contemporary begin,” Lue mentioned of the gamers who come to the group. “It’s all the time good to get a contemporary begin and begin over. Not fear concerning the previous and what you’ve performed previously. Get to a brand new place the place you already know you’re welcome.”
At 28, a extra skilled Simmons says he doesn’t let outdoors chatter — particularly on social media — have an effect on his mentality. He’s fully avoiding it, as an alternative specializing in his journey towards turning into true to himself.
“I actually don’t take a look at it,” Simmons mentioned of social media. “When you’re snug figuring out who you might be as an individual, it’s irrelevant — all of that, the additional noise. I attempt to steer clear of it.”
Simmons’ well being has been a priority for a lot of his profession and stays so, primarily due to lingering nerve injury in his decrease again. A mixture of again, calf and knee soreness this season has compelled him to overlook nearly 20 video games, a sample that has grow to be all too acquainted.
Simmons says he isn’t coping with any limitations and is able to play, however questions stay about when he’ll make his Clippers debut.
The choice will come tomorrow after he meets with the coaching workers, who could have the ultimate say on whether or not he performs at house Wednesday towards the Memphis Grizzlies or waits till Thursday’s sport towards the Jazz in Utah. If he fits up Wednesday, he may sit out towards Utah as a result of he has but to be cleared for back-to-backs.