© Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Simmons feels he will return to his full potential sometime soon
Ben Simmons returned from his lower back nerve impingement earlier in February, and he has consistently played games. Of course, the caveat is he can’t play more than 22-25 minutes yet due to a restriction, but he is playing well in his limited time.
Brooklyn benefits from Simmons’ presence because he gives the Nets a natural playmaker who can defend well. Coach Jacque Vaughn values having Ben in the lineup, functioning as the engine for the Nets’ offense.
“I’m feeling better. It takes time. It’s one of those things where it’s just up and down each day, but I’m staying with it. The storm doesn’t last forever. I’m going to get back to where I was. Staying on it, and each day is a day to get better,” Ben said in his post-game interview after beating the Spurs.
Ben changes how Brooklyn plays
When Spencer Dinwiddie was the primary playmaker for Brooklyn, the team looked slow. The slower pace made the Nets easier to defend and predictable, leading to Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas getting locked up.
That is not the case whenever Ben is healthy because he adds many dimensions to the Nets’ offense. Simmons loves to rebound the ball and push the tempo by going on transition. That usually ends with a layup at the rim or an open three-pointer.
It was Coach Jacque Vaughn’s vision from the summer of 2023, and it’s working whenever Simmons is on the court. However, Coach JV wanted more of that, leading to the front office trading Spencer to make way for Dennis Schroder, another high-level playmaker.
A healthy Ben raises the Nets’ ceiling
Most NBA fans still remember how superb Ben was in Philly. He was a gigantic playmaker who was unstoppable when driving into the paint. The Aussie guard has veered away from that playstyle, but now that he’s healthy, a confident Ben will make those plays again.
With him as the primary playmaker, players like Mikal and Cam to benefit. They will get more open looks by running through screens and getting the right passes from Simmons or Schroder.
A point guard rotation of Simmons, Schroder, and Dennis Smith Jr. is one of the best in the league. Ben will be the key to this trio’s production because of his natural talent and physical traits, serving the Nets well in the long term.
