Since joining the Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons has faced a series of on-court challenges, primarily due to persistent injuries. In the 2023-24 season, Simmons was limited to just 15 appearances, and unfortunately, this season has been no different. The star guard has missed seven of the Nets’ last 12 games.
In a recent appearance on the ‘Young Man and the Three podcast,’ Simmons opened up about the physical and mental toll his injuries have taken on him. Despite once confidently claiming that he’s “pretty good” at basketball, Simmons surprised listeners when he revealed that, during the previous summer, he had seriously considered retiring from the game.
“There were times last summer when I was like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this. I might have to stop playing. I had to bring that up in conversation and think about it, just because physically it’s tough, but mentally it’s just so hard to return from an injury like that,” Simmons said.
Ben Simmons says he contemplated retirement while recovering from back surgery:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 24, 2025
“There were times, last summer, when I was like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this. I might have to stop playing.’”
(via @OldManAndThree) pic.twitter.com/XO28R8TnF8
“Go through the process of rehabbing a second summer in a row. But like I said, it’s day by day. You just take it day by day,” he added.
Ben Simmons Reveals Why Quitting Is Not An Option Despite Injuries
On the podcast, Ben Simmons shared that even with the physical and mental challenges, quitting is not an option for him. After experiencing so many setbacks over the past two and a half years, Simmons made it clear that he still craves the opportunity to win.
“I can’t just stop. Like, I’m not just gonna stop. I wanna compete; I’m a competitor. I like to play basketball; I like to win. And that was my time to win. I had so many losses in the last two and a half years; I was like, ‘No, I need this one,’” Simmons said.
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Simmons has appeared in just 30 games this season, putting up an average of 6.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game. Similarly, the Nets have faced ongoing struggles, currently holding a 14-31 record for the season.
Also Read: Brandon Miller Injury Update: How Long Will Charlotte Hornets Star Remain Out Of Action?
