Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets is among the NBA’s biggest enigmas. He has always been one of the more naturally talented players in basketball, but for some reason, he hasn’t been able to put it all together.
He drew the ire of some when he demanded the Philadelphia 76ers, his previous team, trade him during the 2021 offseason. This came after a collapse in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals and then-head coach Doc Rivers saying he wasn’t sure Simmons could be the starting point guard on a championship team.
He was traded to the Nets midway through the following season, but he didn’t play at all for them until last season. But to start this season, Simmons has looked a bit refreshed, which led Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett to praise him.
In three regular season games thus far, Simmons has just four, 10 and 11 points, respectively. However, he has been filling up the stat sheet by getting lots of rebounds and assists, and he has also made an impact on the defensive end of the floor.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets Updates
He is a jack of all trades, but he is also a master of defense. He has made the All-Defensive First Team in both of his last two full seasons, and he has developed into a bona fide stopper.
With Simmons playing freer, the Nets got their first win of the season on Monday over the Charlotte Hornets, 133-121. Guard Cam Thomas has been red-hot to start the schedule, and two-way wing Mikal Bridges, who was acquired in last season’s Kevin Durant trade, has continued his fine play on both ends of the floor.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Brooklyn, with Simmons’ help, got out and ran to the tune of 28 fast-break points against the Hornets. They have a young and hungry team that can play well in the open court, and Simmons has the ability to spearhead that type of offensive attack.
