Hold off on Ben Simmons hype: Nets fans should be skeptical with history of offseason workout highlights

Jordan Greer

•
Hold off on Ben Simmons hype: Nets fans should be skeptical with history of offseason workout highlights image

Yes, we've reached that point of the offseason. It's time for an update on the status of Ben Simmons.

During Wednesday's edition of "NBA Today," the ESPN panel of Malika Andrews, Ramona Shelburne and Marc J. Spears discussed Mikal Bridges' recent comments on Simmons. While appearing on Paul George's podcast, the Nets forward expressed confidence in Simmons' ability to bounce back after a couple of injury-plagued seasons.

When asked what he has been hearing about Simmons' progress in his recovery from a back injury, Spears described a conversation with a source close to Simmons.

[The source said], 'I would say he's in the final stage of prep for the season, and he has passed every benchmark and is as healthy as he has ever been since his last year in Philly. Brooklyn has been incredibly supportive, and the plan is for him to be the Nets' point guard and primary ball handler this coming season. The expectation is he will fully resume his career at the level he has prior to leaving Philadelphia.'

That is terrific news if you're a Brooklyn fan, right? Well, not necessarily.

This is far from the first time that Simmons has seen his name pop up in summer conversations. There always seems to be a great deal of hope regarding his potential for the next season — and then he doesn't necessarily deliver.

MORE: Tracy McGrady weighs in on James Harden trade rumors

History of Ben Simmons offseason optimism

Ben Simmons drains outside shots in pickup games (2019)

Coming off the first All-Star season of his career, Simmons knew that he could be even more dangerous as an offensive weapon with a consistent jumper.

One compilation of highlights showed Simmons taking a variety of attempts outside of the paint. There were 3-pointers off the dribble, midrange shots and even some fadeaways.

"If it's open, I'll take it," Simmons said before the 2019-20 season when asked about shooting 3-pointers.

Simmons went 2-of-7 from beyond the arc in 57 games.

Ben Simmons' shot 'looks good' (2020)

Ahead of the NBA restart in the Florida "bubble," Simmons was focused on improving his skills. Players were unable to scrimmage at the time because of the COVID-19 pandemic, so they were limited to individual work.

That meant we got another video of Simmons jumpers.

Simmons did increase his 3-point attempts the next season. He went 3-of-10 in 58 games.

Ben Simmons is shooting 3-pointers . . . again (2021)

So, yeah, you know the drill. (A Rajon Rondo cameo!)

Ben Simmons wants you to watch him dunk (2022)

Simmons didn't produce this "highlight" during the offseason, but it's worth revisiting because he wanted everyone to see it.

Before the Nets faced the Celtics in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs, there were questions regarding Simmons' availability for the series. With Game 1 looming, Simmons told ESPN's Nick Friedell to film him dunking at a Brooklyn practice, indicating that he was on the comeback trail.

Simmons didn't play during the 2021-22 regular season or 2022 playoffs.

Don't worry — Ben Simmons is working out (2023)

Lifting weights and holding a basketball. How can you not be excited?!

Hey, here's an idea. Let's just wait until the guy is actually on the floor.

Jordan Greer

Jordan Greer Photo

Jordan Greer has been with The Sporting News since 2015. He previously worked for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. He is a graduate of Westminster College and Syracuse University.