Final 12 months, Ben Simmons was a part of one of many largest tales within the NBA. After requesting a commerce from the Philadelphia 76ers within the offseason, the previous No. 1 decide sidelined himself till his calls for had been met. It might not be till the commerce deadline that Daryl Morey despatched the multi-time All-Star to Brooklyn in alternate for James Harden.
Following the deal, it was nonetheless unclear when Simmons was going to lastly take the ground. Throughout his ramp-up course of, he suffered a again harm that delayed his return much more. There have been rumors of him probably enjoying within the postseason, however that by no means took place.
Throughout a current look on “The Herd,” FS1’s Ric Bucher reported that Simmons left the Brooklyn Nets’ group chat after being requested to swimsuit up in opposition to the Boston Celtics. Following this information, The Atheltic’s Shams Charania said the knowledge was inaccurate whereas being a visitor on “The Pat McAfee Present.”
“All I will say is that this by no means occurred.”
“Hear, it sounds superb, however it did not occur.”
Charania additionally talked about that the 6’10 level guard has been working laborious this offseason and needs to be prepared for coaching camp.
Can Ben Simmons be a differene-maker for the Brooklyn Nets this season?
It is nonetheless unclear what the Brooklyn Nets roster would possibly seem like, however Ben Simmons has the potential to be an actual difference-maker if he can return fully-healthy. Much more so if Kevin Durant remains to be on the roster.
So far as his type of play goes, Simmons is in an ideal place to focus on his skills. Not solely will he be flanked by two star-level skills, however an array of knockdown shooters as nicely. Permitting him to showcase his elite-level IQ within the drive-and-kick recreation.
When James Harden first obtained to Brooklyn, Kyrie Irving was prepared to relinquish level guard duties. If he’s prepared to do the identical for his new working mate, the 2 ought to have the ability to simply co-exist. They may even be a superb pick-and-roll combo if the previous 76ers star is prepared to just accept a Draymond Inexperienced-type function within the offense.
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Prior to now, protection has been a key weakpoint for the Nets. With a defensive-minded participant on the ground, that may drastically change. Earlier than his meltdown in Philly, Simmons was within the dialog for the Defensive Participant of the Yr award. Together with being one of many league’s prime perimeter defenders, he’s additionally arguably essentially the most versatile.
If the All-Star guard really needs to vary the narrative of his profession, he landed in a terrific spot to take action. Solely time will inform how dedicated he really is to the Nets transferring ahead.
Coming quickly!