There has been plenty of secrecy and mysteries about Brooklyn Nets‘ Ben Simmons’ health status.
The former No. 1 pick is reportedly back to full strength and should have no limitations going forward.
According to Nets coach Jacque Vaughn, that should put him in a better position to succeed and make a positive impact going forward.
In his latest media availability, Vaughn stated that Simmons was asked to do things he wasn’t physically able to do last season, but that’s no longer the case (via Erik Slater and ClutchPoints).
Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn on where things stand between him and Ben Simmons:
"I expected him to do things that I've come to understand that physically he just couldn't do… But the things that I'm asking him to do going forward, I think he can physically do now. So he does… pic.twitter.com/vA5SFaKMlr
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 26, 2023
Simmons reportedly struggled with an injured lower back, up to the point where he couldn’t even partake in basketball activities.
Vaughn wants to have him on the floor and believes his length and skills will allow the team to deploy different lineup combinations, which has always been one of the most promising aspects of his game.
The Nets acquired Simmons as a part of the James Harden trade, and even though there were high expectations about him after leaving Philadelphia, that hasn’t been the case thus far.
Simmons has made the headlines for off-court issues and injuries more often than for his actual play.
He recently acknowledged that he’s indebted to Nets fans, and that he owes it to them to give it his all and be at his best next season.
His talent is undeniable, and even if he never becomes a reliable shooter, he can still be an elite playmaker and lockdown defender.
Hopefully, this will be the year he’s finally able to stay on the court and take a leap forward.
NEXT: Nets HC Gives An Update On Ben Simmons
