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3 takeaways from Ben Simmons’ first press conference with Nets

ByJordanna Clark|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Barclays Center on February 14, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 14: Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench during the first half against the Sacramento Kings at Barclays Center on February 14, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
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Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia Sixers. (Photo by: Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sport) – Brooklyn Nets

The morning after the Brooklyn Nets snapped their 11-game losing streak with a 109-85 win over the Kings, Ben Simmons addressed the media. It’s been months since he requested a trade from Philadelphia and for the first time since then, Simmons spoke for himself.

Seth Curry and Andre Drummond made their debut with Brooklyn on Monday night. It was a much-needed win for the Nets and the energy shift was palpable. It was a small look into what’s to come when Simmons steps on the floor for the first time in his No. 10 jersey.

The past few weeks have felt more like years but as soon as Shams Charania announced the Simmons-James Harden trade last Thursday, it felt like a weight had been lifted off Brooklyn’s shoulders.

Harden got his wish of reuniting with Daryl Morey and Simmons now has the opportunity to put the past behind him and start fresh with a new team.

Here are 3 takeaways from Simmons’ press conference on Monday morning.

3 takeaways from Ben Simmons’ first Brooklyn Nets’ press conference.

3: His availability for the Nets-Sixers game in Philadelphia

The Nets play against the Sixers at Wells Fargo Center on Mar. 10. As of right now, the cheapest tickets are a little under $200. Philadelphia fans are going to be ready to show up in swarms to support Harden as he squares off against his former team.

Simmons’ status for the game isn’t clear though. He hasn’t played in a game since last June but said that he’s begun his “ramp up” process to return to the court. The 25-year-old added that he’s been staying in shape by lifting weights, doing pilates, and participating in on-court work with his trainers.

When Simmons was asked if he thinks that he’ll be back in time to play against Philadelphia in a few weeks, he replied with three simple words.

If Simmons is ready to play, there’ll be plenty to look out for. Will he be able to lock down his former team on the defensive end? Will he and Joel Embiid speak to one another? Will Kevin Durant/Kyrie Irving outperform Harden?

The contest could also foreshadow a potential playoff matchup between the two teams. Imagine what those television ratings would look like.

Whether Simmons plays or not, we hope that Brooklyn gets the win. And if Simmons does play, we’re not going to say that we expect him to have a miraculous outing. Instead, we simply want him to do what he does best, which is play basketball.