For the first time in years, the Brooklyn Nets are coming into training camp a bit under the radar. Gone is the NBA media circus that followed stars Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, who have all since been traded.
Last year, at this point, there were questions about the future of Durant and Irving, who both requested trades in the summer. Ownership was hoping they could come together to make one more run at a championship, but that didn’t materialize as both were traded ahead of the deadline.
That leaves the Nets in no-man’s land a little bit. They aren’t good enough as currently constructed to contend truly, but they certainly aren’t bad enough to expect a top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Brooklyn will be a team that battles for one of the last spots outside the NBA Play-In Tournament.
If they are going to elevate beyond that level, they will need some players to step up. The biggest x-factor for the team is Ben Simmons, whom John Schuhmann of NBA.com picked as the one Nets player who needs to take a leap in the 2023-24 season.
“The 27-year-old is much better on defense, but Brooklyn could use his offensive skills as much as anything. While Bridges has become a prolific and efficient scorer, he’s not a playmaker, and the rest of the Nets’ ensemble needs somebody to set them up. Simmons, who’s played just 42 games over the last two years, could be that guy.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons & Brooklyn Nets Updates
We have seen just how impactful Simmons can be on the court. He was an All-Star in three straight seasons before sitting out because of a back injury and holdout. He was Rookie of the Year, has earned a spot on an All-NBA Team, and is a two-time All-Defensive Team member.
There is a reason that Simmons was the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft as he possesses tantalizing potential. Realizing all of that potential has yet to occur, but the current situation that he finds himself in with the Nets could be ideal for him.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons & Brooklyn Nets Updates
There is no pressure on him to be the man as there was with the Philadelphia 76ers, who selected him first overall. Overall expectations for the team are relatively low without any bonafide superstars.
As currently constructed, the Nets can lean into Simmons’s strengths and help him get his confidence back. He has a defined role coming into the season as the team’s lead playmaker and distributor, surrounding him with shooters and shot creators.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons & Brooklyn Nets Updates
That offensive skill set is what the Nets need, as they are lacking true point guard options. If he can help get his teammates into position for easy baskets, the Nets will find success on that end of the court. Defensively, Simmons still can defend all five positions, enabling head coach Jacque Vaughn to mix and match the rest of his lineup.
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