Ben Simmons Eyes Clippers Debut After Fresh Start
Ben Simmons, the newly acquired Clippers star, is set to make his debut either on Wednesday against the Grizzlies at the Intuit Dome or on Thursday against the Jazz in Utah. Since joining the Clippers, Simmons has been engaging in full practices, demonstrating a renewed sense of vigor and enthusiasm. The Clippers, currently holding the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, are banking on the 28-year-old’s change of scenery to help him rediscover his All-Star form. Simmons is eager to prove himself, emphasizing his commitment to competition and the team’s growth. "I just want to compete, regardless of all the bulls— said online," he stated. "I’m here to do that, and playing alongside some of these great players… Everyone’s just going to push each other to be better and expect greatness."
A Turbulent Past and a Promising Future
Simmons’ tenure with the Brooklyn Nets was marked by injuries, unfulfilled expectations, and a barrage of criticism. He played in 33 of the Nets’ 52 games, starting 24, and averaged 6.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists over 25.4 minutes per game. Despite these numbers, his impact was often questioned due to his inconsistent availability and performance. Now, he sees the move to the Clippers as a fresh start, a chance to leave behind the negativity and contribute to a winning team. "Making the decision to come here, I felt wanted," Simmons shared. "That’s something you want to feel when you go to work." His longstanding relationship with Clippers coach Tyronn Lue, which dates back to his time with Klutch Sports, played a significant role in his choice to join the team.
Transparent Conversations and Role Clarification
After being released by the Nets, Simmons had several suitors, but the Clippers stood out due to their transparency. "Everyone was just very transparent," he explained. "They know what I’m capable of and what they expect from me. I’m willing to give that and ready to go." The Clippers have made it clear that Simmons will initially come off the bench as the point guard for the second unit. His primary responsibilities will be to push the ball, create easy scoring opportunities for his teammates, and bolster the team’s already formidable defense, which ranks among the top two in the NBA. This clarity and honesty in expectations have helped Simmons feel more at ease and motivated to thrive in his new environment.
Integrating into the Clippers Roster
The Clippers’ roster, now bolstered by several new additions around the trade deadline, is a mix of veteran talent and fresh faces. Headed by stars like Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and James Harden, the team is well-positioned to support Simmons’ transition. Coach Lue believes that the organization has a knack for helping players adjust to new settings, providing them with a much-needed reset. "Giving someone a fresh start," Lue remarked. "It’s always good to get a fresh start and start over. Not worry about the past and what you’ve done in the past. Get to a new place where you know you’re welcome." Simmons’ versatility as a player who can fill both point guard and center roles adds another layer of complexity to his integration, but Lue is confident that the team will find the best ways to utilize his skills.
Staying Focused and Blocking Out the Noise
At 28, Simmons has matured and developed a thicker skin against the outside chatter, particularly the noise on social media. He has consciously chosen to avoid social media to maintain his mental clarity and focus. "I really don’t look at it," Simmons said. "Once you’re comfortable knowing who you are as a person, it’s irrelevant — all of that, the extra noise. I try to stay away from it." This approach shows his determination to stay true to himself and his commitment to the team. His ability to block out distractions is crucial, especially as he looks to rebuild his career and reputation on the court.
Health and Upcoming Debuts
Simmons’ health has always been a significant concern, primarily due to lingering nerve damage in his lower back. This season, he has missed nearly 20 games due to various injuries, including back, calf, and knee soreness. However, he insists that he is currently free from limitations and is ready to play. The timing of his debut will be determined by the Clippers’ training staff, who will assess his readiness. While he could make his Clippers debut on Wednesday, there is a possibility that he might sit out the game to ensure he is fully prepared for the challenges ahead. If he does play on Wednesday, he might be held out of Thursday’s game in Utah to avoid back-to-backs. The Clippers are keen to manage his workload carefully, ensuring that his health is not compromised as the team aims for a strong finish to the season.
