The Brooklyn Nets cannot tank next season, as the Houston Rockets pretty much control their NBA Draft.
With that in mind, they need to find ways to add more talent around Mikal Bridges, and the answer might be right in front of them.
In a recent appearance on NBA TV, Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie claimed that Ben Simmons is an ‘All-Star, Max-level guy’ when he’s healthy (via Legion Hoops).
Spencer Dinwiddie:
“A healthy Ben Simmons is an All-Star, max-level guy.”
(via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/qrvKYOqix2
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 10, 2023
That might not be the boldest take he could think of, as Simmons was the No. 1 pick in the draft not so long ago.
Then again, it sometimes feels like people have forgotten about that, and he has only himself to blame for that.
Simmons has shown flashes of being the best — or at least the most versatile — defender in the league.
He’s strong, big, and with a long-enough wingspan and lateral quickness to be able to guard one through five, and he could be a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
He’s also one of the savviest and most gifted passers and playmakers in the league, boasting high basketball IQ and elite ability to pull the strings of an offense.
Truth be told, Simmons’ skills and talents as a basketball player have never been put in doubt, not even if he never becomes a consistent or even mediocre three-point shooter.
But his constant injuries, seemingly careless attitude, and reluctance to be held accountable and coached have been major hurdles in his career, and he has to prove that he’s willing to get past all that to be back on the floor and earn his respect back in this league.
NEXT: Nets GM Believes That Ben Simmons Hasn't Hit His Prime Yet
