Inside The Nets

Ben Simmons impresses in his return for the Brooklyn Nets

Ben returned against Utah and looked like he did not lose a step.

Peter Sunjic

© Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
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Before the 2023/24 season started, Coach Jacque Vaughn stated he sees Ben Simmons as the Nets’ best playmaker. Vaughn was correct in his assessment because the Nets looked like the most exciting team in the league with the fast-paced playstyle.

In his first game back, Simmons proved he can change how the Nets play. The first quarter had plenty of highlights because Ben spearheaded a fast-paced offense, getting six assists off the bench.

"I'm not surprised at all. You know what his name is, you know what I'm saying? It's no disrespect. I think his ability to pass is something that elevates this team,” Lonnie Walker IV said about Ben’s impact.

“Everyone was running, it hit a point where I’m like he’s still running, and as soon he catches, he’s going. I’m not fully surprised but he puts in the work, puts in the time, he does his diligence, day by day, I can see him standing there.”

The team is ecstatic with Ben’s return

With Ben back, it was evident that the team’s energy was different. The Nets were playing with more pace rather than the slower style when Simmons was not in the squad.

It bodes well for the future because the Nets have athletic players who want to play with urgency. Guys like Lonnie Walker IV, Dennis Smith Jr., and Nic Claxton benefit from having Ben as the primary playmaker.

“I'm not surprised at all. You what his name is, you know what I'm saying? It's no disrespect. I think his ability to pass is something that elevates this team,” Coach JV said about Ben after the big win.

The Nets have a bright future with Simmons

Brooklyn sees Simmons as a centerpiece of the system. The team must keep playing with pace to maximize the players’ skill sets. With Ben, that desire to keep running will happen, and that can lead to more wins.

The Nets are only one player away from having a fully healthy squad, which makes them a threat to any Eastern Conference team. Brooklyn is in the race for a Play-In spot, and with Ben in the lineup, this team will peak just in time for the season’s most crucial stretch. 

The Brooklyn Nets get a massive 147-114 blowout win against the Utah Jazz

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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