July 26, 2016
Over the past few days, the story about Ben Simmons buying a $150 pair of sneakers for an 11-year-old in New Jersey has made the internet rounds. For a full explanation (with a little NSFW language at one point) from the young man’s 18-year-old brother, here you go:
“I was just in the mall, went into a store, saw him and met him,” Simmons said on Tuesday after speaking to a group of campers at Valley Forge Military Academy. “We took a picture and then went to a different store and he was looking at the same shoes. And I just offered him, ‘Do you want me to get you some shoes?’
“I wished somebody would do that for me when I was obviously younger, but a kid like that from Camden, I think it meant a lot to him.”
He’s almost assuredly correct. During Simmons’ freshman year at LSU and in the pre-draft process, there were certainly concerns expressed about his character on and off the court. Only time will tell if those concerns were valid, but it’s difficult to argue that the Australian rookie is off to anything but a good start in his new home.
Of course, Simmons will tell you that he hasn’t changed.
“I mean that happens because people put stuff out there, something I do or say,” Simmons said. “You got to get to know me first.”
Philadelphia is already getting to know him well. Simmons estimates that he can’t take more than three steps without being noticed, which is to be expected for the major symbol of a potential change in fortunes for the Sixers.
Simmons, who hasn’t moved into his new home yet, plans on spending most of the rest of his summer in Philadelphia. He has already taken a few walks already down South Street, which he characterized as “interesting.”
“I’ve been enjoying walking around, South Street, getting some Ishkabibble’s or whatever it’s called,” Simmons said. “Yeah, but I’ve been enjoying it. It’s been fun.”
Simmons also has an 82-game NBA season to prepare for. The 20-year-old said he’s currently relaxing and taking some time off after showcasing both his uncommon court vision as well as the areas he needs to improve (left-handed finishing at the rim, shooting, defensive intensity) at summer league.
When asked what he learned from his six-game (sorry, Isiah) summer slate, Simmons alluded to both his strengths and weaknesses.
“I have a lot of work to do, but at the same time I’m ready to play at this level,” Simmons said.
As he has mentioned before in interviews, Simmons plans on working on all areas of his game when he ramps up his on-court activity.
“Just getting in the gym and making sure I’m getting reps up shooting-wise, dribbling, [in] the weight room as well,” Simmons said. “Making sure I’m getting my strength back and weight up.”
The 6’10” Simmons wants to play at around 246 pounds during the season, a subject he’ll tackle before training camp begins.
For now, though, Simmons will continue to explore his new city and try to make a positive impression, whether at a mall in New Jersey or while taking pictures with a large group of campers in Wayne. Training camp is only two months away.
“I’m definitely getting back into it soon,” Simmons said. “Once it starts, it won’t stop for a long time.”
Simmons was also asked about a couple of his future teammates.
On how effective he and Dario Saric can be playing together: “We’ll have to see. But I know he’s a great driver. He can dish too so I think that plays a big part.”
On if he has played with Joel Embiid: “Summer league, he jumped in for a practice, but after that, not too much. I know he’s out of town right now (ed. note: Arm wrestling Justin Bieber).”
On if he’s looking forward to playing with Embiid: “Definitely. He’s got a great skill set, 7’2” or whatever it is. I’m looking forward to playing with him.”
On how he and Embiid can co-exist: “We’ll have to see. But I know he knows how to read the pick-and-roll well, so I think we’ll play well together.”
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann
