Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Stephen A. Smith Says Ben Simmons ‘Swears He’s Ready To Go’

Ben Simmons was the main subject of criticism in Philadelphia, after his huge letdown during the NBA playoffs in 2021. He hasn’t played a game with the Sixers afterwards and was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he hasn’t made his debut yet, due to concerns about his mental health and back injuries.

The 25-year old point guard was rumored to make his season-debut on Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics, but it didn’t happen as he was eventually ruled out due to back soreness.

While there’s still rumors floating around about Simmons’ availability for this coming season, Simmons himself apparently swears that he’s ready to go. This is at least what Stephen A. Smith revealed, after he talked to him.

“You and Kyrie and Ben Simmons — who, by the way, news flash here. I ran into Ben Simmons. He and I had a nice conversation … I support the brother. I had a problem with him not playing. That’s the past. He’s ready to go. He swears he’s ready to go.”

“[The Nets are] arguably the favorites to win the East! … If I’m Joe Tsai, your ass ain’t going nowhere, you staying right here.”

—@stephenasmith is not a fan of the Nets potentially trading Kevin Durant pic.twitter.com/efL5Zbrhms

— First Take (@FirstTake) August 15, 2022