For the first time in a few years, not much is being expected out of the Brooklyn Nets as they begin a new NBA season.
Their experiment with future Hall of Famers Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving became a failure when both asked to and were traded last season, and now they’ve been left to embrace a full rebuilding project and youth movement.
But Brooklyn does have some talented and potent players, including the unique and enigmatic Ben Simmons.
Simmons said the team’s offense will be a fast-breaking one that will attack the paint and look for open 3-pointers in the corner, via ClutchPoints.
"Run. Gun. Get to the rim. Get to the free throw line. Corner 3s. You saw me when I was healthy, playing, moving the ball. That’s basketball at the end of the day.”
Ben Simmons on how he envisions the Nets’ offense ?
(via @erikslater_) pic.twitter.com/pxzg5plAk6
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 4, 2023
There is no doubt that when Simmons is physically and emotionally healthy, he is a very capable player who can create transition opportunities, attack the rim, get teammates involved, and defend at an elite level.
After Philadelphia 76ers head coach Doc Rivers said he wasn’t sure Simmons could be the starting point guard on a championship team following their Game 7 loss in the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals, Simmons demanded a trade and cut off almost all communication with the organization.
Philly sent him to the Nets midway through the 2021-22 season, and after Simmons refused to play to that point, he then missed the entire schedule, citing a back injury and a mental health issue.
Last year, he appeared in just 42 games and posted career lows in scoring, rebounding, assists, and free throw accuracy.
The Nets do have an interesting young roster that includes Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and Spencer Dinwiddie, and if Simmons stays healthy, perhaps a play-in tournament spot isn’t out of the question.
NEXT: Video Shows Ben Simmons Dominating On The Court
