After Mikal Bridges, the new star of the Nets, or even Sean Marks, the GM of the franchise, it’s Cam Johnson’s turn to provide his support and his opinion on the hypothetical return of Ben Simmons. The former number 1 of the 2016 Draft, who will therefore not play the World Cup with Australia, unfortunately shines by his absence for almost two seasons now for the Nets.
Besides his physical injuries and a bruised back, the player is also affected mentally. A term that is always a little vague but which is a factor that should not be overlooked in order to successfully complete a career. Iconic players like DeMar DeRozan and Kevin Love, or more recently Ricky Rubio, have made it their fight, true spokespersons for an evil that was until now taboo in the world of professional sport.
Very close to its best level?
But today there is a glimmer of hope within the franchise, and Cam Johnson, who arrived with Mikal Bridges from the Suns in the trade for Kevin Durant, is also witnessing the great form of Ben Simmons . The Team USA player gave his feelings to the New York Post.
” He is in shape. He is in good spirits. He says he is improving and he is very excited for the coming season. I can’t wait to see what he will bring this season. I expect him to be, if not at his best, very close anyway. »
Words that confirm the latest information from the Simmons camp. The final hurdle would be five-on-five, but that would only be a matter of days. What to be ready for the recovery at the end of September, beginning of October. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Ben Simmons at 100% for a resumption of the season…
In attack as in defense, Ben Simmons can make the difference
“It is very important for us”, continues Johnson. “There are things he does on the court that few NBA players are able to do. And it adds something very valuable to me, Spencer [Dinwiddie]Mikal [Bridges], since he is able to set us up, bring us shots and play in the rhythm. With him on the pitch, we will be a better team. »
And it’s not just on offense since Simmons was one of the best defenders in the NBA when he was at his best. “Defensively, we will have a unique advantage with Ben and Nic, who are capable of defending anyone on the pitch. Clearly, there are a lot of positives behind all of this. »
| Ben Simmons | Percentage | Bounces | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Crew | GM | Minimum | Shots | 3 points | LF | Off | Def | Early | pd | party | Int | bp | CT | Points |
| 2017-18 | PHL | 81 | 34 | 54.5 | 0.0 | 56.0 | 1.8 | 6.4 | 8.1 | 8.2 | 2.6 | 1.7 | 3.4 | 0.9 | 15.8 |
| 2018-19 | PHL | 79 | 34 | 56.3 | 0.0 | 60.0 | 2.2 | 6.7 | 8.8 | 7.7 | 2.7 | 1.4 | 3.5 | 0.8 | 16.9 |
| 2019-20 | PHL | 57 | 35 | 58.0 | 28.6 | 62.1 | 2.0 | 5.8 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 3.3 | 2.1 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 16.4 |
| 2020-21 | PHL | 58 | 32 | 55.7 | 30.0 | 61.3 | 1.6 | 5.6 | 7.2 | 6.9 | 3.0 | 1.6 | 3.0 | 0.6 | 14.3 |
| 2022-23 | BRK | 42 | 26 | 56.6 | 0.0 | 43.9 | 1.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 6.1 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 6.9 |
| Total | 317 | 33 | 56.0 | 13.9 | 59.1 | 1.8 | 6.1 | 7.8 | 7.5 | 2.9 | 1.6 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 14.7 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.
