Ben Simmons Confident About Bounce Back Next Season

The season, Simmons' first with the Nets, saw him play in just 42 games. He averaged just 6.9 points per game and saw other dropoffs across the board. It was far from the start of his post-Sixers career that Simmons was likely hoping for. However, Simmons is remaining optimistic, and recent comments have outlined where his mentality is at regarding next season. Simmons is owed $78.2 million over the next two seasons, according to his current contract.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 25: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots during the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 25, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

“Ben has been cleared to progress to his next stage of his rehab and is progressing really well,” Simmons’ agent Bernie Lee told The New York Post's Brian Lewis Wednesday. “And we remain very excited about his ability to return to form next year.” That next step appeared to be open-court practice, as Simmons posted to his Instagram story from a gym in Miami. Furthermore, the news indicates that unlike the Nets had feared, Simmons will not have to undergo further surgery, be it for his knee or back.

Additionally, Simmons is looking to get back to the court before the start of the next NBA season. In particular, the guard is eyeing the chance to represent Australia at the FIBA World Cup. This year's World Cup, the second to feature 32 teams, is set to be co-hosted by Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines. Starting on August 25, the training camp for the Australian National Team begins on August 1. Simmons made his national debut in 2013 but has withdrawn from all subsequent national team call-ups. Australia face Germany, Finland, and Japan in the group stage. How do you feel about the Ben Simmons situation? Let us know in the comments. Be sure to follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

About The Author

Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.