How Jacque Vaughn Created a Strong Relationship with Ben Simmons

Simmons has found a home with the Brooklyn Nets, which is largely due to head coach Vaughn.

© Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The early stages of the 2023/24 season hold promise for the Brooklyn Nets, with starting point guard Ben Simmons emerging as a significant driving force. Standing at 6’10”, Simmons combines rare attributes of height, exceptional dribbling, and speed, making him stand out among players of his stature. 

His skill set complements these physical traits, defining him as a genuine point guard with an innate understanding of court positioning and an ability to deliver precision passes.

Now, the Australian guard has settled in as the Nets’ primary offense initiator and he’s confident in his ability to perform. The fans can thank head coach Jacque Vaughn for that as he made the extra effort to support Ben in his return to regular play.

“I thought it was important for me to reestablish our relationship from the way it was introduced,” Vaughn said to Andscape’s Marc J. Spears. “It was during a pretty tumultuous season with expectation, trauma, and chaos, and we both were involved in it. And for me to hopefully let him know that there were no hard feelings my way.”

Beautiful find, beautiful slam @BucketsONeale00 x @BenSimmons25 pic.twitter.com/WWN5aplGHz

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 4, 2023

A coach’s complete support means a lot to Ben

During his final year with the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He was not playing to the high standards he set with his All-Star and All-Defensive Team selections. He was also on the outs with 76ers head coach Doc Rivers who was not pleased after the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

In Brooklyn, the LSU product is under the guidance of Coach Vaughn, recognized as one of the league's most engaging coaches. Vaughn has shown his unwavering support for Ben by actively participating in different activities, including making three visits to Ben's Miami residence during the offseason to witness his workouts.

This was a massive improvement to their relationship in the past as Simmons described their relationship as a “terrible” one. The reasoning for that was their lack of familiarity and communication with each other.

“It was tough. I was also injured, so I was also dealing with my own stuff and he was in a position where it’s a lot of pressure to come in and be the head coach,” Simmons said to Andscape.

Nets fans are enjoying the positive results

Now, Ben is the focal point of what Vaughn has planned for the Nets. he aims to maintain an up-tempo style, garnering points through transition play, with Ben as the primary force driving the pace. 

The 6’10” point guard excels at securing rebounds and swiftly initiating the offense, creating opportunities for other Nets players to take open shots near the rim or from beyond the arc.

Dimes are being dropped early 🪙 pic.twitter.com/Dt7wE4i5ve

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 4, 2023

This is a positive sign moving forward for the Nets because they have a set playstyle while also having Simmons who is both confident and ready to serve as a leader. Vaughn and Simmons now have a stronger relationship as they trust each other, rather than having a contentious one like in the 2022/23 season.

Ben Simmons is thriving as the Brooklyn Nets’ primary playmaker