Ben Simmons spoke with the media for the first time since getting traded to the Nets as part of the trade that sent James Harden to the Sixers.
Simmons was reportedly dealing with mental health issues, which he addressed during the press conference.
“They should be happy I’m smiling,” Simmons said. “I’ve had some dark times over the last 6 months.”
Simmons also alluded to stuff off the court that contributed to his mental health struggles while saying he’s blessed to be in an organization like Brooklyn’s. A bunch of things also “piled up” for Simmons over the years in Philadelphia which led Simmons to finally request a trade.
The Nets made this trade mostly due to Harden’s unhappiness, but they also view Simmons as a great complementary piece next to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, something Simmons acknowledged is going to be “scary.”
Scary it will be indeed, as Simmons can just focus on filling in open lanes provided for him while sharing the floor with Durant and Irving and embracing the role of being a “point forward.” Simmons will also provide the on-ball and switchable defender the Nets so desperately needed.
Simmons also says he’s been working “nonstop” in the gym when asked what kind of work he’s been doing to improve his free-throw shooting. If he can improve his free-throws and jump shot even just a little bit, he’ll be even scarier as a player.
Simmons also mentioned that he spoke to many people on his way out of Philadelphia except for Joel Embiid.
The Nets play the Sixers in Philly on March 10, which is a game Simmons says he hopes to be ready for. That shall be an interesting one, to say the least.
