Ben Simmons appears to be healthy and ready to return to All-Star form in the 2023-24 NBA season. The Brooklyn Nets star recently spoke to Marc J. Spears of Andscape about his past struggles, health and NBA future.

Simons has gone through a rough patch in his NBA career, playing just 42 games in the last two seasons. This has cause speculation from the basketball world about his commitment to the game.

The question was whether Ben Simmons even loved to play basketball, or if he just enjoyed the celebrity that came with it.

Simmons reiterated his love for the game and desire to dominate:

“I’m excited because I know I can do it,'” Simmons told ESPN Andscape on Aug. 25. ‘So, that’s the exciting part for me. [Last Thursday] night, I’m like, ‘Yo, let’s get back in the gym.’ I’m excited. I get to do something I love to do at a high level. Regardless of what people say, I’m a three-time All-Star, All-NBA player, [All-] Defensive Team. I’ve done things. I’m not somebody that hasn’t done anything.”

He also got very candid about his injuries:

“I don’t think people realize how bad it was in terms of physically how I was feeling and what I was able to do on the floor. Being able to sit down now and not have to lean or slouch one way, it’s kind of crazy for me. But I feel I’m at 100% now. Right now, I’m just building back to where I’m playing. I haven’t played in a while. Just taking hits and getting my body used to that.”

Simmons’ detail paints a different picture of the 2022-23 NBA season. When he seemed too hesitant or disengaged, his body was failing him. The lack of information about the seriousness of an injury often leaves people to speculate.

The controversy over Simmons’ back issues is similar to that of Dwight Howard, whose desire was questioned as he dealt with back injuries.

It’s great to see Ben Simmons in a good place. Everybody’s rooting for Ben. Let’s hope he’s healthy, physically and mentally, for the 2023-24 NBA season.