Ben Simmons has been in the news plenty of times recently. Whether it be his improved ramp-up process, sitting due to back soreness, or his questionable fashion sense. Another topic brought up is if Ben Simmons played, things would be different in this Nets and Celtics series. Yes, the series would be different, but how? What Nets Issue does Simmons solve? The Nets’ issues are not solved with Simmons on the court. With that being said, Simmons can contribute in some parts of the game while also making things worse for this Brooklyn team.
Playmaking
It’s his bread and butter. Passing first point guard can be a blessing and a curse. In an offense that features Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, there will be a lot of iso offense. Once the Nets move into the half-court, Ben Simmons has a limited game from there. He can facilitate and help this stagnant offense find open guys, but only as the primary ball-handler. In that case, Irving and Durant would have to be off the court or willing to let Simmons run the offense, a reminder Simmons has not played an NBA game in almost a year. However, with shooters like Seth Curry and Patty Mills around him, Simmons could make things happen as a playmaker.
In terms of playmaking, Ben Simmons could solve this issue for the Nets as they have been too selfish on that end of the floor, but he would not. Ben Simmons is not respected enough as a scorer to draw attention to himself. While his elite passing would be great, the Celtics have done a good job at clogging passing lanes and making ball-handlers dribble leading to plenty of turnovers. Hurts to say a man’s strongest point would not help his team.
Defense
This one is simple. Ben Simmons would be a tremendous help to the Nets’ defense. Let’s remember Simmons has two All-NBA defensive selections. Simmons would be a huge help guarding Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum who have both been huge down the stretch for Boston. Tatum finished the series averaging 29 points per game and Brown added 22 of his own. Hard to beat a squad when their two stars are going in for the kill. Ben Simmons is a positive asset on defense and that should not be questioned. The Nets’ issue on defense would be solved for the most part.
The Jays vs the Nets:
Jayson Jaylen
29.5 PPG 22.5 PPG
7.3 APG 5.3 RPG
1.8 SPG 2.5 SPG
41.9 3P% 49.3 FG% pic.twitter.com/wku0iorQIr— StatMusk (@statmuse) April 26, 2022
Closing
The biggest Nets issue in this series was closing for the Nets. Their four losses were by a combined 17 points and in every game, there was a chance to win. If we take a trip down memory lane, Ben Simmons’ last basketball game was certainly something, to say the least. Simmons was unplayable in the fourth quarter of the series and was made a joke as a passed the ball out of a one-on-one situation at the rim against Trae Young, arguably the worst defender in the sport. For Simmons to have his first games back in a series this close, it is hard to imagine his game has improved to be a closer for this Nets squad. In their biggest issue of all, Simmons would be their biggest drawback.
Safe to say, even in a series that was this close, Ben Simmons would change this series as much as he would change his playstyle. Simmons has completely avoided basketball this year and that type of mentality should show his impact on the court.
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