Ben Simmons aims to transform Nets after back surgery

In the United States, Ben Simmons expressed confidence in his physical condition after undergoing surgery in March to address a lower-back nerve impingement. At a practice facility in Brooklyn, he emphasized the importance of daily improvement and the potential impact on the team's performance. The Brooklyn Nets, who had a disappointing 2023-24 season with a 32-50 record, are undergoing a significant rebuild under new head coach Jordi Fernández. This transition follows the team's failure to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season. General manager Sean Marks has made notable roster changes, including trading swingman Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks, and the team is preparing for the upcoming draft with a wealth of picks. Simmons' return to form is seen as crucial for the Nets, as veteran players like Dorian Finney-Smith believe that a healthy Simmons could lead to more victories. The team is embracing the challenge of low expectations, aiming to play freely and use it as motivation to succeed despite the rebuilding phase.