As I sit here watching old game tapes, that question keeps popping into my head: Will Ben Simmons return to NBA stardom this season? Honestly, I've been tracking his career since his LSU days, and I can't help but feel both excited and nervous about his comeback journey.
What's the current state of Ben Simmons' physical condition?
Let me tell you, watching him move during preseason reminded me of something I observed in the Shakey's Super League - when elite athletes lose their explosive edge, it changes everything. Simmons appears to have regained significant mobility, but I'm noticing he's still hesitant on those explosive drives to the basket. The Nets training staff claims he's at "95% physical readiness," though I'd personally put him closer to 85% based on what my eyes are telling me. His vertical leap measurements have apparently improved from 28 inches last season to 34 inches currently, which if true, suggests real progress.
How has his shooting form evolved during rehabilitation?
Now this is where it gets interesting. I've studied countless hours of his shooting mechanics, and there's definitely been tweaks to his release point. But here's my concern - it reminds me of watching players in the Shakey's Super League who overhaul their form too drastically. They lose that natural feel. Simmons' new shooting motion looks more textbook, but I'm seeing the same hesitation when he's open beyond the arc. During their last preseason game, he passed up three wide-open three-pointers that made me groan - same old story, different season.
What role will his mental approach play in his comeback?
Having covered basketball for over a decade, I've come to believe the mental game separates good players from great ones. The pressure to answer "Will Ben Simmons return to NBA stardom this season?" weighs heavily on any athlete. I recall interviewing a coach from the Shakey's Super League who mentioned how players there often struggle with confidence after long absences. Simmons needs to rediscover that killer instinct we saw during his Philadelphia days. Personally, I think Brooklyn's sports psychology team deserves more credit - they've been working with him extensively on visualization techniques and game scenario preparations.
How does his current performance compare to his MVP-candidate season?
Let's talk numbers, because I'm a stats guy at heart. During his 2020-21 season, Simmons averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists. Currently, he's putting up 8.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. The dip is noticeable, but here's what gives me hope - his defensive metrics are actually improving. His defensive rating of 104.3 would place him among the league's elite if maintained. Watching him navigate screens reminds me of the disciplined defensive positioning I've seen in Shakey's Super League games - he's using his length smarter rather than relying purely on athleticism.
What specific improvements have we seen in his offensive game?
I want to be brutally honest here - his free throw shooting still makes me cringe. He's shooting 58% from the line this preseason, which is... well, let's call it work in progress. But I've noticed subtle improvements in his post game and that left-handed hook shot he's been developing. The coaching staff has been using footage from the Shakey's Super League to show him how players with similar physical attributes create space without relying on jump shots. He's developing a nice little push shot from 8-10 feet that could become a real weapon.
How important is team fit to his potential resurgence?
This might be the most crucial factor. The Nets' system under Coach Jacque Vaughn seems to emphasize the kind of positionless basketball that should theoretically maximize Simmons' skills. They're using him as a point forward in certain lineups, which reminds me of how versatile players in the Shakey's Super League often thrive in multiple roles. I particularly like when they pair him with shooters - it creates the spacing he desperately needs. The lineup data shows the Nets are +7.3 points per 100 possessions when Simmons plays with four shooters versus -2.1 when he doesn't.
What's the realistic ceiling for Simmons this season?
Alright, let me put on my realist hat. The question "Will Ben Simmons return to NBA stardom this season?" probably needs reframing. I don't see him making All-NBA First Team, but All-Defensive Team? Absolutely possible. If he can average something like 12 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists while playing elite defense, that would constitute a successful comeback in my book. The Shakey's Super League has taught me that comebacks are rarely linear - they're messy, unpredictable, and require patience from everyone involved.
Final thoughts from my perspective
Having watched hundreds of players attempt career revivals, I'll say this about Ben Simmons: the tools are still there. The athleticism, the vision, the defensive instincts - they haven't vanished. What needs to return is the joy, the confidence, that swagger we saw early in his career. Every time I see him smile on court, I become more optimistic about answering "Will Ben Simmons return to NBA stardom this season?" with a cautious yes. Not the superstar version yet, but certainly someone trending in that direction. The journey continues, and frankly, I can't wait to see what happens next.