But as we enter the 2023-24 season, things are certainly different for the Nets.
There’s legit talent on their roster with Mikal Bridges, Nic Claxton, and Cam Johnson.
Depth pieces like Dorian Finney-Smith/Royce O’Neale/Lonnie Walker/Cam Thomas aren’t awful.
The big question is Simmons.
How is your back?
But I feel Im at 100% now.
Right now, Im just building back to where Im playing.
I havent played in a while.
Just taking hits and getting my body used to that.
One of the things that seems to happen with Simmons is that nobody really believes he’s hurt.
I just want to see what that looks like now that he’s settled in his new city.
He said he’ll be ready to roll for this season so it’s time to see it.
Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving asked out of Brooklyn.
Why didnt you ask out?
I dont have an issue with Brooklyn.
For me, I want to get healthy.
The only thing I could do was get healthy.
I couldnt complain about anything.
Its all good people around, and they want to win and do it the right way.
Also, I dont have specific teams I want to go to.
This is a job.
Im not going to ask to be put somewhere specific, I just want to play.
Some surprising self awareness here from Simmons.
Do you have any sense of what position the Nets will play you next season after playing center?
Thats who I am.
As much as people say, Fix this, fix that.
No, Im a point guard.
When I was playing at that [high] level, nobody was really saying anything to me.
Now this is something I’m interested in seeing.
Essentially, he just needs to play like vintage Rondo.
Obviously, people are obsessed with you from a shooting standpoint.
What part of your game are you working on?
Touch shooting, pull-ups, spot [-up] 3s.
The sky is the limit.
Just building my confidence each day.
So, Im excited.
This is where I think most people will roll their eyes.
Why do you think people are fascinated with you?
Are you fueled by hate?
I dont think its a bad thing.
Its just something that just comes with it.
Theres been plenty of No.
I dont think thats it.
Maybe its because Im Australian.
Nah, but I dont know.
It comes with it …
Im not fueled by the hate.
I dont even call it hate, because hate is like, thats deep.
I dont really hate anybody.
you’re free to almost set your watch to it.
It’s time to put up or shut up in my opinion.
