The Brooklyn Nets are a vastly different team entering training camp in 2023 than they were in 2022. Last year, there were legitimate NBA championship aspirations with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the team. This year, without those two, expectations have changed drastically.
There is some real talent on the Nets’ squad entering the season, but they look to be one of the middle-of-the-pack teams in the Eastern Conference. Unless something changes with their roster, they look to be first-round fodder for the elite teams in the conference, maybe sneak out a semifinal appearance depending on the matchup.
One of the players who can raise this team’s floor and ceiling is Ben Simmons. The oft-injured point guard has shown the potential to be a difference-maker on both ends of the court. He is a gifted playmaker offensively and has the size and athleticism to defend every position defensively.
That Simmons, however, is one we haven’t seen in years. After sitting out the 2021-22 season because of a holdout and back injury, Simmons returned to the court last season with the Nets but appeared in only 42 games.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons & Brooklyn Nets Updates
While there were glimpses of his potential, they were few and far between. Still only 27, there is certainly time for Simmons to regain his form. Staying healthy is paramount in achieving that. For the first time in a long time, he seems to be.
According to Nets’ head coach Jacque Vaughn, Simmons is cleared to be on the court at the start of training camp. No training wheels or ramp-up period will be necessary this time around as he is 100 percent healthy and taking part in 5-on-5.
“Ben is playing five-on-five with no restrictions, so he should be ready for training camp,” Vaughn said. “Pretty simple, which is good for me to say. And I think that fits into an exciting time for me to have this group together. No restrictions at the beginning of the year, we get to form an identity together, we get to really form some relationships from the beginning of the year with a style of play. So really looking forward to the challenge and getting into training camp.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons & Brooklyn Nets Updates
That is excellent news a Brooklyn squad that is looking to create an identity in training camp heading into the season. Having a healthy Simmons will certainly help them find one, as the three-time All-Star and two-time All-Defensive Team member can be a key to unlocking the team’s full potential.
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