Ben Simmons sit down interview with JJ Redick

[gigantes]

He’s still 25-26. I think his overall perception of things will look differently in several years. I do think he truly has a little Iverson-level defiance in his blood but we would say the same thing if we had Draymond Green without Curry.

This is a super-important point IMO. Ben just turned 26 in July, and most of this stress and drama was hitting him at age 23-25, half the world away from most of his loved ones. Also, with the family drama back home in parallel with the back issues.

He impressed me a lot here, and I appreciate him taking ownership of things to the extent he did. Also interesting to hear him talk about his chronic frustration with people critiquing his shooting, while at the same time admitting it's something he needs to fix.

Also, he did a better job than the Nets did at explaining what happened to his back last season. Dude's sh*t was messed up and the Nets PR handled everything horribly.

I need to see a turnaround here in terms of communication and team preparation. What Marks was running last year was very unprofessional. If the team starts slow in October, Nash needs to go and Marks should be in the hot seat.

The crazy thing about the Nets PR is that it destroyed Ben's reputation. I'm surprised he was so chill about it. Remember how guys were on ESPN like "If Ben doesn't play in Game 3 or 4 - he's the biggest LOSER of all time" and stuff like that. The dude ended up getting back surgery like 2 weeks later. Just so irresponsible.

That's without even considering the fans. If someone probably won't be ready to play, we need to know.

Marks is lucky our media is soft and a little too professional.

If we were the Knicks, best believe Marks would have been taken to the woodshed for what happened last year.

The Nets fed Ben to the wolves. They knew that this guy wasn't ready to play. They should have said Simmons was out indefinitely due to conditioning and health and left it at that, instead they kept teasing the fanbase when Ben had pain shooting down from his neck to his legs, and they wanted him to play his first games in playoff intensity?

Okay, I'm confused here. What in particular was so terrible about how the Nets PR handled things?

Because a herniated disc from my understanding is something that can flare up on its own and recede on its own, and IIRC, the Nets' medical people were cautiously optimistic at various points before ultimately ruling him out. Unfortunately, some med issues are like that.

There may also be an argument that Simmons would have been better off having the surgery much earlier, and not putting himself in the position of 'it might flare up, it might go away on it's own.' So maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like it wasn't far from a lose-lose situation from a Nets' PR standpoint. Not to mention, it seems kind of ironic to critique them when they're typically so cagey about releasing timetables.

[gigantes]

One more thing that hugely strikes me about this interview-- it's that Ben seems to be feeling some of the nationalistic hate that many other foreign-borne NBA players have also suffered. Know what I mean?

For example, I'd say Jeremy Lin is one of the most notable cases of that in recent times. I.e., a guy who evidently suffered powerful racism from various teammates, opponents, and even the refs, on the regular. It was pretty nasty from what I've read of the behind-the-scenes stuff. People in the business were *huge* aholes to him, much of it seemingly due to being an Asian dude who had handles & athleticism that could absolutely make defenders look silly at times.

Now, people who've watched the Simmons interview have talked about how it starts off so 'kind' and 'player-friendly,' but I don't have an issue with that. To me it's a combination of skill, goodwill, and professionalism towards the interviewee, particularly if it's heartfelt, and JJ seems like a really decent guy. So yes-- establish all that first, THEN ask the biting questions. That's journalism in the high-capitalistic age, non? That's the point, right?

Circling back to my real point-- Ben to me is trying to fit in so hard that it's almost painful, and I almost want to pop in there and give the dude a hug. Or maybe it's because I'm of a nervous temperament, like him. Point is-- I've never seen an Aussie get with an American accent so quickly as Ben did. Nothing wrong with that of course, but it's kinda shocking. Also, just how lit up and happy he was, coming alive for JJ's questions and attention.

Sean Marks-- *please* treat Ben better than the Sixers did. Encourage whatever friends around him. Indeed, we all need that in life, and it feels like now is the time to embrace Ben. Make him feel like he's home. I have a powerful feeling that Nets fans will NOT be disappointed, with a little love & understanding towards Ben.

Sidenote-- let's also not forget that not *every* star can be a self-starting, raging psychopath, like Jordan was able to be. (all hail Michael Jordan)

[Papi_swav]

This is literally the first time I've ever heard dude speak .. only saw 20 mins but I plan on finishing it eventually. I'm glad he finally got to speak out and we can finally hear his side of the story. Hope he moved on and hope it made him better and more motivated for this new team. I'm betting on him for DPOY

[Riconet]

I listened (did not watch) the entire interview yesterday. I'm not as encouraged by it as many here are. IMHO, Simmons still seems fairly immature and inclined towards making excuses, blaming others for his problems and not taking responsibility for his actions. For example, when JJR asked him something like "what happened against Atlanta in the playoffs?", BS' answer was "we lost." Simmons had a terrible series vs Atlanta, and he had to know he was going to be asked about it -- but he still responded like a child.

He also spent much of the interview complaining about how people criticize his flaws but don't give him credit for his qualities. Well, that's what happens when you're a max player who refuses to improve your obvious shortcomings and get defensive when asked about it.

One thing I did like though was that he did seem genuinely excited about starting over here and about the possibilities this Nets team has. I just wish that I had come away from the interview thinking that BS has realized that he needs to fundamentally change his approach to the game, being a professional, etc. Unfortunately, the impression I get is that he thinks he got shafted in Philly and that he doesn't need to do anything different this time around. I hope I'm mistaken.

[MrDollarBills]

I listened (did not watch) the entire interview yesterday. I'm not as encouraged by it as many here are. IMHO, Simmons still seems fairly immature and inclined towards making excuses, blaming others for his problems and not taking responsibility for his actions. For example, when JJR asked him something like "what happened against Atlanta in the playoffs?", BS' answer was "we lost." Simmons had a terrible series vs Atlanta, and he had to know he was going to be asked about it -- but he still responded like a child.

He also spent much of the interview complaining about how people criticize his flaws but don't give him credit for his qualities. Well, that's what happens when you're a max player who refuses to improve your obvious shortcomings and get defensive when asked about it.

One thing I did like though was that he did seem genuinely excited about starting over here and about the possibilities this Nets team has. I just wish that I had come away from the interview thinking that BS has realized that he needs to fundamentally change his approach to the game, being a professional, etc. Unfortunately, the impression I get is that he thinks he got shafted in Philly and that he doesn't need to do anything different this time around. I hope I'm mistaken.

Yeah I noticed that he deflected a few times and got a bit defensive. He did own up to somethings, but I came away from this thinking that I really like that he's excited to play and doing what he does best to help this team, but Ben still has some growing to do.

[zimpy27]

I listened (did not watch) the entire interview yesterday. I'm not as encouraged by it as many here are. IMHO, Simmons still seems fairly immature and inclined towards making excuses, blaming others for his problems and not taking responsibility for his actions. For example, when JJR asked him something like "what happened against Atlanta in the playoffs?", BS' answer was "we lost." Simmons had a terrible series vs Atlanta, and he had to know he was going to be asked about it -- but he still responded like a child.

He also spent much of the interview complaining about how people criticize his flaws but don't give him credit for his qualities. Well, that's what happens when you're a max player who refuses to improve your obvious shortcomings and get defensive when asked about it.

One thing I did like though was that he did seem genuinely excited about starting over here and about the possibilities this Nets team has. I just wish that I had come away from the interview thinking that BS has realized that he needs to fundamentally change his approach to the game, being a professional, etc. Unfortunately, the impression I get is that he thinks he got shafted in Philly and that he doesn't need to do anything different this time around. I hope I'm mistaken.

He's right though. Why do people focus on Ben shooting so much?

Plenty of other max players are poor defenders and don't get nearly the same commentary and focus on their flaws. He gets hounded because he's excellent at things that casual viewers don't understand and bad at things they do understand.

[GTR11]

I listened (did not watch) the entire interview yesterday. I'm not as encouraged by it as many here are. IMHO, Simmons still seems fairly immature and inclined towards making excuses, blaming others for his problems and not taking responsibility for his actions. For example, when JJR asked him something like "what happened against Atlanta in the playoffs?", BS' answer was "we lost." Simmons had a terrible series vs Atlanta, and he had to know he was going to be asked about it -- but he still responded like a child.

He also spent much of the interview complaining about how people criticize his flaws but don't give him credit for his qualities. Well, that's what happens when you're a max player who refuses to improve your obvious shortcomings and get defensive when asked about it.

One thing I did like though was that he did seem genuinely excited about starting over here and about the possibilities this Nets team has. I just wish that I had come away from the interview thinking that BS has realized that he needs to fundamentally change his approach to the game, being a professional, etc. Unfortunately, the impression I get is that he thinks he got shafted in Philly and that he doesn't need to do anything different this time around. I hope I'm mistaken.

He's right though. Why do people focus on Ben shooting so much?

Plenty of other max players are poor defenders and don't get nearly the same commentary and focus on their flaws. He gets hounded because he's excellent at things that casual viewers don't understand and bad at things they do understand.

Because poor defense can be hidden behind team defense, you can't hide liability on offense. Now if we going to break down Ben offense, it's hall another story, bit let's not ignore mental aspect behind numbers.

This is fresh start here. Is it best case scenario, hell no, but close to ideal if you ask me.

[GTR11]

This is literally the first time I've ever heard dude speak .. only saw 20 mins but I plan on finishing it eventually. I'm glad he finally got to speak out and we can finally hear his side of the story. Hope he moved on and hope it made him better and more motivated for this new team. I'm betting on him for DPOY

This is where coaching scare me to my fuc**** bones. If we had coach like Snyder, D'Antoni type, I'd be much more optimistic. Maybe to the points I'd ignore KD and Kyrie.

Not the case here man.

Sorry guys to be pooping up on things, but these clowns took a toll on me during past three years. It's like saying " my heart tells me one thing, my mind tells me fuc* you hoping for, look back ".

[zimpy27]

I listened (did not watch) the entire interview yesterday. I'm not as encouraged by it as many here are. IMHO, Simmons still seems fairly immature and inclined towards making excuses, blaming others for his problems and not taking responsibility for his actions. For example, when JJR asked him something like "what happened against Atlanta in the playoffs?", BS' answer was "we lost." Simmons had a terrible series vs Atlanta, and he had to know he was going to be asked about it -- but he still responded like a child.

He also spent much of the interview complaining about how people criticize his flaws but don't give him credit for his qualities. Well, that's what happens when you're a max player who refuses to improve your obvious shortcomings and get defensive when asked about it.

One thing I did like though was that he did seem genuinely excited about starting over here and about the possibilities this Nets team has. I just wish that I had come away from the interview thinking that BS has realized that he needs to fundamentally change his approach to the game, being a professional, etc. Unfortunately, the impression I get is that he thinks he got shafted in Philly and that he doesn't need to do anything different this time around. I hope I'm mistaken.

He's right though. Why do people focus on Ben shooting so much?

Plenty of other max players are poor defenders and don't get nearly the same commentary and focus on their flaws. He gets hounded because he's excellent at things that casual viewers don't understand and bad at things they do understand.

Because poor defense can be hidden behind team defense, you can't hide liability on offense. Now if we going to break down Ben offense, it's hall another story, bit let's not ignore mental aspect behind numbers.

This is fresh start here. Is it best case scenario, hell no, but close to ideal if you ask me.

Poor shooting can be hidden behind team shooting.
Ben isn't awful on offense, he's just not a shooter. He's one of the best shot creators in the NBA though.

He was seen as a liability on offense because the last team wasn't built to his strengths and weaknesses.

[GTR11]

He's right though. Why do people focus on Ben shooting so much?

Plenty of other max players are poor defenders and don't get nearly the same commentary and focus on their flaws. He gets hounded because he's excellent at things that casual viewers don't understand and bad at things they do understand.

Because poor defense can be hidden behind team defense, you can't hide liability on offense. Now if we going to break down Ben offense, it's hall another story, bit let's not ignore mental aspect behind numbers.

This is fresh start here. Is it best case scenario, hell no, but close to ideal if you ask me.

Poor shooting can be hidden behind team shooting.

Ben isn't awful on offense, he's just not a shooter. He's one of the best shot creators in the NBA though.

Hope you was thinking about reg season. He's not only scared to shoot like Dray, he won't shoot because of mental aspect. Saying anything else is beyond laughable, tells more about you.

Track record matter.

[zimpy27]

Because poor defense can be hidden behind team defense, you can't hide liability on offense. Now if we going to break down Ben offense, it's hall another story, bit let's not ignore mental aspect behind numbers.

This is fresh start here. Is it best case scenario, hell no, but close to ideal if you ask me.

Poor shooting can be hidden behind team shooting.

Ben isn't awful on offense, he's just not a shooter. He's one of the best shot creators in the NBA though.

Hope you was thinking about reg season. He's not only scared to shoot like Dray, he won't shoot because of mental aspect. Saying anything else is beyond laughable, tells more about you.

Track record matter.

Why make it weirdly personal when we are discussing a player?

[GTR11]

Poor shooting can be hidden behind team shooting.

Ben isn't awful on offense, he's just not a shooter. He's one of the best shot creators in the NBA though.

Hope you was thinking about reg season. He's not only scared to shoot like Dray, he won't shoot because of mental aspect. Saying anything else is beyond laughable, tells more about you.

Track record matter.

Why make it weirdly personal when we are discussing a player?

It always is, people has agenda, whether it this or that is another story. That's why you here to break it down.

[Decipher]

Because poor defense can be hidden behind team defense, you can't hide liability on offense. Now if we going to break down Ben offense, it's hall another story, bit let's not ignore mental aspect behind numbers.

This is fresh start here. Is it best case scenario, hell no, but close to ideal if you ask me.

Poor shooting can be hidden behind team shooting.

Ben isn't awful on offense, he's just not a shooter. He's one of the best shot creators in the NBA though.

Hope you was thinking about reg season. He's not only scared to shoot like Dray, he won't shoot because of mental aspect. Saying anything else is beyond laughable, tells more about you.

Track record matter.

Draymond averages 8.7 ppg for his entire career

Simmons does that on his worst day in his sleep

Ridiculous comparison

[MrDollarBills]

Simmons is averaging 15/7/7 at a minimum. If Nash actually has us running an offense, that probably boosts.

[Riconet]

He's right though. Why do people focus on Ben shooting so much?

Plenty of other max players are poor defenders and don't get nearly the same commentary and focus on their flaws. He gets hounded because he's excellent at things that casual viewers don't understand and bad at things they do understand.

I don't think this is why Simmons gets criticized. I think he gets criticized, and deservedly so, because he's gotten worse over the years, not better -- to the point where he was JAG in his last appearance in the playoffs for the Sixers.

2018 playoffs -- 12.5 FG attempts per game, 16.3 ppg, 70.7% FT%, 9.4 rpg
2019 playoffs -- 9.7 FG attempts per game, 13.9 ppg, 57.5% FT%, 7.1 rpg
2021 playoffs -- 7.9 FG attempts per game, 11.9 ppg, 34.2% FT%, 7.9 rpg

If you're a max guy, your team needs more from you than this, and you need to work on and improve your shortcomings -- not get defensive about them and act like everyone else is wrong.

[Riconet]

Draymond averages 8.7 ppg for his entire career

Simmons does that on his worst day in his sleep

Ridiculous comparison

I agree that it's a ridiculous comparison. Simmons isn't one-tenth of the player that Draymond is.

[MrDollarBills]

Draymond averages 8.7 ppg for his entire career

Simmons does that on his worst day in his sleep

Ridiculous comparison

I agree that it's a ridiculous comparison. Simmons isn't one-tenth of the player that Draymond is.

[GTR11]

Poor shooting can be hidden behind team shooting.

Ben isn't awful on offense, he's just not a shooter. He's one of the best shot creators in the NBA though.

Hope you was thinking about reg season. He's not only scared to shoot like Dray, he won't shoot because of mental aspect. Saying anything else is beyond laughable, tells more about you.

Track record matter.

Draymond averages 8.7 ppg for his entire career

Simmons does that on his worst day in his sleep

Ridiculous comparison

Dray make game winning plays and shoots when it matters, he got chips to back it up. Ben went MIA since ATL series and still scared to shoot.

[gigantes]

...Ben isn't awful on offense, he's just not a shooter. He's one of the best shot creators in the NBA though.

He was seen as a liability on offense because the last team wasn't built to his strengths and weaknesses.

Wasn't it, though? I for one recall a heck of a lot of talk about the Sixers doing their best to adapt to his game. It was a big part of every offseason's goals for the coming year.

Joel in particular seemed to develop his game directly in response to all that.

I don't think this is why Simmons gets criticized. I think he gets criticized, and deservedly so, because he's gotten worse over the years, not better -- to the point where he was JAG in his last appearance in the playoffs for the Sixers.

2018 playoffs -- 12.5 FG attempts per game, 16.3 ppg, 70.7% FT%, 9.4 rpg
2019 playoffs -- 9.7 FG attempts per game, 13.9 ppg, 57.5% FT%, 7.1 rpg
2021 playoffs -- 7.9 FG attempts per game, 11.9 ppg, 34.2% FT%, 7.9 rpg

If you're a max guy, your team needs more from you than this, and you need to work on and improve your shortcomings -- not get defensive about them and act like everyone else is wrong.

Numbers are always nice, but if the guy's back was getting worse over time, it may explain a lot.

That said, last time I saw his shooting form during a Nets practice (before surgery), it looked pretty broken indeed. I'm guessing either his shooting coach wasn't doing a good job (his brother, was it?), or he developed hitches and stuff to avoid as much pain as possible.

[zimpy27]

...Ben isn't awful on offense, he's just not a shooter. He's one of the best shot creators in the NBA though.

He was seen as a liability on offense because the last team wasn't built to his strengths and weaknesses.

Wasn't it, though? I for one recall a heck of a lot of talk about the Sixers doing their best to adapt to his game. It was a big part of every offseason's goals for the coming year.

Joel in particular seemed to develop his game directly in response to all that.

I don't think this is why Simmons gets criticized. I think he gets criticized, and deservedly so, because he's gotten worse over the years, not better -- to the point where he was JAG in his last appearance in the playoffs for the Sixers.

2018 playoffs -- 12.5 FG attempts per game, 16.3 ppg, 70.7% FT%, 9.4 rpg
2019 playoffs -- 9.7 FG attempts per game, 13.9 ppg, 57.5% FT%, 7.1 rpg
2021 playoffs -- 7.9 FG attempts per game, 11.9 ppg, 34.2% FT%, 7.9 rpg

If you're a max guy, your team needs more from you than this, and you need to work on and improve your shortcomings -- not get defensive about them and act like everyone else is wrong.

Numbers are always nice, but if the guy's back was getting worse over time, it may explain a lot.

That said, last time I saw his shooting form during a Nets practice (before surgery), it looked pretty broken indeed. I'm guessing either his shooting coach wasn't doing a good job (his brother, was it?), or he developed hitches and stuff to avoid as much pain as possible.

Philly team was only ever built for Simmons offensively when Embiid was out. Embiid just stifles his offensive game. Now Simmons and Embiid together were still amazing but Simmons individually struggled on offense.

You can see Joel's shooting spots haven't changed in terms % of FGA for his whole career, not have Simmons. Both guys just seem pretty fixed this whole time with their help around them being the main change.