In a new E60 documentary, 2016 No. 1 overall NBA draft pick Ben Simmons opens up about the highs and lows of his pro career, his attempt to reclaim his place in the game — and his lifelong passion for fishing.
After sitting out the better part of two years, Simmons has returned to the NBA this season as a member of the Sacramento Kings.
“Being Ben,” produced in association with Andscape, debuts Sunday, Oct. 18, at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN, streaming afterward on the ESPN App.
ESPN Director and Producer Julian Gooden takes us behind the scenes.
How did the idea of doing this documentary come about?
Marc Spears (Sr. NBA Writer, Andscape/ESPN) wrote an article about Ben’s fishing some time ago for Andscape. The story gave our E60 team the idea to do a video component. I had the great honor of directing the film, but Marc [who reports in the feature] and our great E60 management team get the credit for the idea.
Was Simmons willing from the beginning to open up the way he does?
He was a little guarded at first. He wasn’t sure what he wanted to open up about. He was always comfortable with Marc but as he grew more comfortable with me specifically, he began to let his guard down. Some of the more candid commentary came in the second and third sit down.
As the film’s director, what do you hope viewers take away from it?
There’s a lot of narratives around Ben and we’ve rarely heard his side. I hope hearing Ben’s side gives viewers a little more perspective on his.