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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Ben Simmons Saga is one of the most complicated stories in the NBA. A 3-time All-Star who lost his confidence because of injury and mental blocks. After parting ways with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021, Ben Simmons joined the Brooklyn Nets to play alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. With 2 NBA champions by his side, fans hoped to see Ben make a comeback and be the player he once was in Philadelphia.

But Ben missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a back injury and missed half of the last season due to a nerve issue in his back. And when Simmons was on the court, he played like he had never played in the NBA before. As the 27-year-old was dealing with his back injury, his teammates Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant demanded a trade and were no longer in Brooklyn. Betrayed by his teammates, Ben revealed why he did not leave Brooklyn.

Ben Simmons wants to stay in Brooklyn

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After making 3 consecutive All-Star teams, Ben Simmons? career took a dark turn in the 2021 playoffs. In Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semis, he refused to take a crucial wide-open layup in the game’s closing minutes. Philadelphia went on to lose to the Atlanta Hawks and Ben was criticized by the fans for choking in the playoffs. After the loss, Ben Simmons lost his confidence. He was also secretly dealing with a back injury. Everyone knew that Ben would never suit up for Philly after his disappointing playoff performance.

USA Today via Reuters

He was traded to Brooklyn in exchange for Former MVP James Harden. 2 years later, Ben Simmons is the only former All-Star left in the Brooklyn Nets. In an interview with ESPN Andscape, Ben revealed that he has no plans of leaving Brooklyn anytime soon and is working on his comeback next season. ?I love Brooklyn. I don?t have an issue with Brooklyn.? The 3-time All-Star said, praising the city and the Brooklyn Nets organization. Ben has no team he prefers to be traded to. He is focused on getting fully healthy and getting back on the court for the Brooklyn Nets.

Ben Simmons wants to get back to his All-Star self

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When Ben Simmons started his NBA career, he instantly became a rising star in the league. After missing his rookie season due to an injury, Ben burst onto the scene by winning the Rookie of the Year award in 2018. Following his breakout debut season, Ben made 3 straight All-Star teams, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to 2 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. Following all the drama in Philadelphia, Ben Simmons finally feels 100 percent healthy and hopes to return as a better player.

Read More: ?I?m a 3x All-Star?: NBA World Remains Dubious, but Optimistic Ben Simmons Sells Hope One More Time

Ben revealed that he got injured in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020 and has been dealing with back issues since. ?I have been feeling great and progressing well.? Simmons is working out 5 hours every day for 5 days a week to get back in shape and ready for next season. ?I am excited because I know I can do it.? Simmons thinks he can be a great player again as he has already proven his talent in the past.

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Ben Simmons was deemed a future superstar before his injury and Philadelphia situation. The 27-year-old has a lot of years left in his prime to prove the world wrong and come back stronger. If he can achieve the goals he is setting for himself, it will be great news for the Brooklyn Nets. After a disastrous Big 3 era in Brooklyn, they could use a superstar like Ben Simmons in their squad. Do you think Ben Simmons will make a comeback next season?

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