Ben Simmons is one of the shooting stars of the NBA. In a conference call, the Sixer spoke about his difficult time as an injured man, his playing style and his favourite position. Also topic: The mood in the team.
Ben Simmons about….
… He missed his rookie year because of an injury:”That was very hard and I was really frustrated to come to practice every day with the knowledge that I can’t enter the NBA court yet. But I’ve tried over time to take advantage of it and learn things about the game and the league without really being involved. I have watched games and scouting videos and taken care of my health. I want to capitalize on that now, because I’ve got my rookie colleague this one year ahead of me.”
… and what he learned this year:”You have to be patient. I had to work piece by piece to get back to where I wanted to be. This attitude is needed, no matter what goals you are pursuing. If I stick to it, I can achieve a lot.”
… I want to move the ball forward quickly and accelerate the pace. When I see that I have a bigger and slower defender in front of me, I want to attack him. But I also want to be a player who finds the balance between a fast and organized game.”
… I have the feeling that this is the position from which I can best help the team – partly because of my length and playmaker skills. But it’s not individual things that I focus on. It’s not just about scoring, rebounding or assists. I’m also trying to keep things off the track to help my team win.”
… Memories of his first NBA game against the Wizards:”The best moment was when I entered the court. The lights go out and I saw my teammates already outside. Then, of course, the first jump ball and the knowledge of playing against players like John Wall and Bradley Beal. I’ll never forget that.”
… International’s “favorite players:” There are so many great international players in the NBA. But there is no one to whom I look up especially or whose game I want to orientate myself particularly. Giannis is of course fantastic and similarly built like me. But first and foremost, I’m trying to do my own game.”
… serious injuries such as those of Gordon Hayward:”In rehab, much depends on the mental attitude of the patient. It’s not easy, I know from experience, but you fight your way through. It’s a pity, of course, that injuries like Gordon’s happen. He’s a great player and the Celtics had a great team. Of course, his loss hurts them. But he too will recover from it and come back strongly.”
… the atmosphere of the young Sixers:”The atmosphere here is great. Everyone is ambitious, but we all have a good relationship. We’re like brothers talking about everything. Also important: each of us takes the other in the court’s responsibility.”