NBA trainer and shooting coach Chris Brickley has high hopes for the Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons going into the new season. The veteran workout master praised Simmons’ workouts and progress this week on social media.
Ben Simmons Workout Impresses NBA Workout Master
Simmons Has More in the Tank
Simmons has experienced one of the NBA’s deepest “fall from favor” careers since entering the league with the Philadelphia 76ers. After a promising beginning, injuries and character issues began to rise from the ashes. Playoff mishaps and other struggles attached themselves to the uber-talented and gifted player out of Louisiana State University (LSU). LeBron James even touted Simmons as a “young King” in his early days in Philly.
Unfortunately, the story of Simmons turned sour. An uncomfortable situation that was his departure from the 76ers led to the Nets. In Brooklyn, things did not get better as Simmons dealt with back injuries and surgery to repair a herniated disk. His career looked in shambles, and the probability of him returning to the player coming out of college was dim. However, after some time removed from the spotlight and health seemingly restored, Simmons looks ready to return to the NBA floor this season in Brooklyn. Popular and widely respected NBA trainer and shooting coach Brickley has a first-hand seat to Simmons’s resurgence.
Simmons’ Health According to his Trainer
Brickley (who has a remarkable NBA and professional basketball story) has spent much time with Simmons over the offseason. Brickley has Simmons’ back, as is evident by his comments regarding the 2017-18 NBA Rookie of the Year, saying,
“Ben is healthy, moving very well, he is better now than his All-Star seasons. I’ve never co-signed a player that didn’t prove it when their season started. Trust me on this one.”
According to Brickley, the two have been hard at work at The Summit, Brickley’s gym in New York City. He believes Simmons is on the comeback trail, and maybe, just maybe, this trail will lead someone where this time. Brickley is a master in training basketball players. His opinions and perspectives are trustworthy and hold weight among many elite basketball stars in the NBA and WNBA.
What This Season May Hold for Simmons
Suppose Simmons returns to form, or at the very least, a form that keeps him healthy, on the floor — competitive and productive. It is not certain that the Nets will keep him around all season. Rumors of Simmons moving toward the trade block have stayed with him over the last year. He may have to recapture his NBA career elsewhere if, hypothetically, a trade scenario plays out at some point this year.
Nonetheless, whatever your thoughts or opinions toward Simmons, watching a talent like himself veer on the downward spectrum in a “crash and burn” manner is tough to witness. Especially considering he once wowed many of us. Simmons is a free agent next summer, which is something to keep in mind as the season progresses. For now, he looks healthier than ever and ready to play ball — wherever this season takes him.
