Nothin' But Nets
Fansided

3 takeaways from Ben Simmons’ first press conference with Nets

By Jordanna 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons, Philadelphia Sixers. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

1: He doesn’t owe anyone an explanation

Last October, Simmons told Philadelphia that he wasn’t mentally ready to play. He received a lot of flack for that (and still does) and questions surrounding his mental health arose during the press conference.

He was asked what he has to say to the people who have been skeptical about his mental health status.

Most recently, Simmons has been chastised for joining the Nets in Brooklyn on Monday. According to people who aren’t Simmons, he’s not supposed to be smiling with his new teammates. That proves the “fact” that he’s been using his mental health as an “out.”

When Simmons was asked about what his final straw with the Sixers was, he said that things had piled up over the years. He wanted to get back to a place where he could “be himself” and “be happy as a person.”

Those who are commenting on Simmons’ mental health and offering their input on how he should/shouldn’t be acting are out of line. Offering unwarranted opinions on how someone else is feeling or should feel is a detrimental take.

At times, it may feel like as fans we know athletes but we truly don’t. Parts of their lives are broadcast for us all to see but there’s also a lot that we don’t know.

The same people who are claiming that Simmons is “mocking” mental health are at the core of the problem.

Regardless of if you root for Philadelphia or Brooklyn, it doesn’t matter. Simmons doesn’t need to justify his feelings to either fanbase or anyone else.

There’s only one person who knows what’s best for Simmons and it’s himself. We want what’s best for him in the same way that we want what’s best for Harden.