Ben Simmons made his long-awaited Brooklyn Nets debut last night as he stepped onto an NBA court for the first time in almost 18 months after not playing last season.
The Australian playmaker refused to play for the Philadelphia 76ers last season as he cited mental health issues as the reason he had 'not been ready' to take the floor with his teammates. In an interview with former teammate JJ Redick, Simmons had stated that he asked the Sixers for help, however, he was continuously fined for refusing to play - making him the most fined player in NBA history. Simmons and the Sixers have since settled a deal after the former filed a grievance to recoup around $20million (£17m) which he was fined.
Whilst struggling last season, the former number one overall pick was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for fellow superstar James Harden. However, he would not play after being diagnosed with a herniated disc before having the aforementioned surgery.
