Ben Simmons is confident he can contribute to the Nets when he returns

Ben is likely making his return in the Nets’ game against Utah.

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After nearly three months on the sidelines, Ben Simmons is making his long-awaited comeback this week. The Aussie guard has been sorely missed in Brooklyn as Coach Jacque Vaughn believes he is the key to success for the team.

Ben is confident he can contribute to the team even if he’s fresh off a nerve impingement in his lower back. That is a good mindset for Ben because the fans have high expectations, given Simmons’ contract and his past as an All-Star player in Philadelphia.

There will be half-court problems, and he still hasn’t attempted a free throw, BUT

A healthy Ben Simmons remains one of the very best transition players in the world.

Dismantled the Hornets last night on the break. ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/FGYYct27iI

— Rit Holtzman (@BenRitholtzNBA) October 31, 2023

“I just want to have an impact. I want to come in and win game; wee haven’t been winning lately. It’s one of those things we gotta get back on track. I’m looking forward to just playing my role and helping this team win,” Ben said after his practice. 

“I wasn’t at zer; II felt like I was just dealing with that injury in that area. So I was able to keep that strength in other areas and just work on what I needed to work on in terms of the rehab.”

Ben is a major contributor to Brooklyn’s playoff hopes

Ben only played six games for the Nets to start the season, but he had a monumental impact. His ball-handling and playmaking in transition were the epicenter of Coach Vaughn’s offense. That play style made Brooklyn one of the most exciting teams because players kept running and scoring layups and shooting transition three-pointers.

Transition offense is becoming more prevalent than ever.

The Nets are 22nd in the league in transition points per game this season. They were 1st in the league through the first six games of the season with Ben Simmons. Half-court concerns be damned, the Nets are missing their… https://t.co/z6fRdpnzNg

— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) January 17, 2024

In his absence, the Nets have improved their half-court offense, which will help solve Ben’s offense issues during his performances early in the season. By re-integrating into this offense, Simmons and the rest of the team can bring the best out of each other.

Having Ben helps both sides of the ball game. Simmons is a well-known lockdown defender and will be instrumental in helping the Nets get stops and play the transition style.

The team trusts Ben to play well

Everyone on the Nets team is excited to have Simmons back because he brings so much to the team. However, the players know Ben should not get rushed back because his health is vital to the organization’s long-term future.

Jacque Vaughn says the Nets are two different teams with and without Ben Simmons:

"We were top six in transition with Ben, bottom five without Ben. Better executing in the halfcourt without Ben, not with Ben. So it’s two different teams." pic.twitter.com/7k8ogmqyB7

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 14, 2023

“It’s tough for anyone to come back and have a good transition like that. I have my faith in him, and he’ll be another great addition for us,” Cam Thomas said about Simmons’ impending return.

If Cam trusts Ben like that, the rest of the team does too. Having Simons at 100% will be crucial for Brooklyn for the team’s Playoff hopes. 

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