Nets GM optimistic Ben Simmons can return to All-Star form

It's been a while since Ben Simmons stepped onto the hardwood, much less garnered an All-Star nod, but Nets GM Sean Marks believes the 26-year-old can reach those heights again. 

To be precise, Marks seems to think Simmons is only scratching the surface of his capabilities and is optimistic about what the future holds. 

After Sunday's Summer League win over the Knicks, Marks raved about Simmons and discussed how his recovery from the nerve impingement that has sidelined him since Feb. 15 is going. 

"Reasonably, the hope is that he returns to [an All-Star] level of play," Marks told reporters via the New York Post. "If he was 35 years old, I wouldn't honestly be able to tell you that. But knowing that he's mid-20s and he has still, hopefully, not reached his prime, we're going to make sure he can get back out there and get back to that form. And hopefully, we see his game even evolve past that." 

Despite the hope that Simmons, who averaged 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists in 42 games last season, will regain his form, a few obstacles remain. The former No. 1 overall pick has been training in Miami this offseason, working on getting back into shape, but is yet to play three-on-three or five-on-five. 

"I was down there two weeks ago with him and the training staff and saw the progress, and happy to report he's in a great physical shape." Marks said. "And also mentally, he's raring and champing at the bit to get out there. We've got time. This is not something we're going to rush him back in to play five-on-five in the next couple weeks. But he's progressing."

The psychological aspect of the recovery process is just as crucial as the physical for Simmons, as he has been open about his struggles with his mental health. It seems he has lacked confidence since passing out of a wide-open layup in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals when he was with Philadelphia. 

But even so, Simmons showed flashes of the abilities that earned him three All-Star selections and a Rookie of the Year Award before reaggravating a knee injury last November that lingered for the remainder of his season.

Although he didn't get much of an opportunity to play with the post-trade deadline Nets, an entire training camp with the group should ease his transition back onto the court. With a healthy Simmons, Brooklyn would boast one of the more intriguing lineups in the East, anchored by a defensively sound frontcourt that also features Mikal Bridges and Nic Claxton. 

Brooklyn may not carry the championship expectations of Philadelphia, but a more relaxed environment could benefit Simmons. In turn, this will allow him to focus on re-establishing himself as one of the NBA's premier defenders and facilitators.

And if that's the type of talent the Nets will have at their disposal, they should be in a solid position to make another playoff appearance.