NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Brooklyn Nets have bigger issues than their early season 1-4 record. While Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are carrying the load, once again, it’s the guy trying to focus on the defensive end that may be the kryptonite on this team. Ben Simmons is a great defender and may prove to be valuable for the Nets in that department but let’s be honest here, what else were they expecting?
A deal had to be done for both teams last season. The Nets were looking to divorce James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers and Simmons were seeking their own breakup. So, why not? The only issue there was that Simmons did not really desire to go to Brooklyn. His rumored list of teams were based in California. But this a business and Simmons has to play where he’s at, right?
But for the Nets, that may not be a good thing.
Simmons is limited offensively and what he should be able to do with the ball, he has refused to do. Many wondered if he just didn’t want to showcase his full potential while in Philly. But in his short stint with the Nets so far, it appears he has regressed some. While in Philly, Simmons was an All-Star. At 6’10 and a PG, Simmons should have been dominating on both ends of the floor. However, his refusal to expand his game to the perimeter has been legendary in NBA circles.
This season, in just 5 games, Simmons is averaging just 5.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 6.2 rebounds. Solid numbers for a role player but not good enough for a former No. 1 pick and a guy making roughly $35M per season. Irving and Durant get all the attention but Simmons has taken just 27 shots in 5 games. He does need to be more aggressive on the offensive end. The Nets need more from Simmons the same way the 76ers did.
Now, you have to wonder if he’s doing this out of spite and trying to force the Nets’ hand, or have we seen the ceiling for Ben Simmons? Teaming him with Irving and Durant sounds good on the airwaves but on the floor, it doesn’t work. Irving is the starting PG which places Simmons as the starter at PF. What is he supposed to do there? He’s a solid rebounder but his strength is having the ball in his hands. But another note, just as with the 76ers, the Nets are still playing 4-on-5 as Simmons is not a real treat to shoot the ball.
Is Ben Simmons Dialed In?
As rumors go, Ben Simmons wanted to be on his own team and not play second-fiddle to anyone. But here he is with the Nets playing 3rd fiddle to Irving and Durant. How long can this continue? Even if he plays well and the Brooklyn Nets find themselves with an early exit from the playoffs, will Simmons be able to handle the media scrutiny that comes with playing in NYC?
Irving has come out and defended Simmons this week and to be this early into the season and already being defended, says a lot. He’s under a microscope and one of Simmons’ main concerns while in Philadelphia was the fans and the media. Sorry brother, but this is NYC where there is no hiding.
As talented as this Brooklyn Nets team is with two great offensive-minded players, Simmons is the key to it all. If he can focus as he did in his early stint with the 76ers, the Nets have a solid chance. Their record does not indicate their talent. Seth Curry and Joe Harris have missed time and this team is not at full strength. Although that’s always been the case for the Nets the past two seasons, it’s still worth noting that Ben Simmons has yet to get the lineup he needs to be productive fully.
But will he get that playing under Steve Nash? With Irving there, coupled with Harris, Simmons is not the PG. That means he has to learn a new style of play from a different position. He looks uncomfortable and not sure of himself on the floor and we all know what happens when he feels that way.
