Nets' Ben Simmons is ready to finally bounce back

Throughout his first four years with the Philadelphia 76ers, Ben Simmons looked like a future top-10 player. Elite defensively. Exceptionally gifted as a passer. And the size and skill to penetrate off the dribble at will. However, one bad decision in the postseason has derailed multiple years of Simmons' career. 

In a recent interview with Marc Spears of Andscape, Simmons shared his belief that he's ready to return to his former level and begin putting the NBA back on notice. 

“For me to come back and dominate people will be great,” Simmons said. “I don’t intend to come back the same player I was last [season], because that’s not even close to where I am. I get excited because I’m like, ‘Damn, I would [expletive] on the player I was last year.’ But I know where I was at last year, so it’s easy to say that. But it’s just fun to go and do the thing that you love when you’re out there. That’s really it for me. I don’t really ask for too much."

The Brooklyn Nets will be a completely different proposition if Simmons can truly rediscover his former production level. Talent doesn't fade at such a young age. The Monstars didn't come down from Moron Mountain to steal his talent. Simmons had a crisis of confidence. His love for the game took a sabbatical. 

Simmons has all the tools to become an All-Star again. All-NBA isn't out of the question, either. Yes, the shooting narrative will likely remain for the rest of his career, but that didn't stop him before and shouldn't stop him now. Brooklyn needs Simmons to be the player he once was, as much as he needs it for himself. 

The former first-overall draft pick needs to prove to himself that he's still an unstoppable force. When that happens, his confidence crisis will be over, and the rest of the league should instantly take notice. 

At 27-years-old, Simmons isn't even in his prime yet. This season could be when the James Harden trade doesn't look so lop-sided anymore.