Inside The Nets

Ben Simmons is ready to give it his all whenever he can play games

Ben still cannot play in back-to-back games for the Nets.

Peter Sunjic

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Ben Simmons is a vital player in the Nets project. Unfortunately, that might be the issue between the two parties because the team relies on him too much, and he’s still struggling with injuries, making him unavailable to impact games.

There are flashes of brilliance for Simmons that show he’s a phenomenal playmaker who changes the game for Brooklyn. However, he’s not consistently present like his teammates, especially Mikal Bridges. The latest issue with Ben is that he still can’t play in back-to-backs due to injury maintenance.

“I’m alright. I’m gonna give this team everything I got, regardless of how I feel,” Simmons said after the game against the Grizzlies and before the loss to Orlando.

Ben has a unique impact on the Nets

Whenever Ben plays extended minutes, he has a profound effect during Brooklyn’s games because they look better than without him. The offense flows well with Ben, as he knows where everyone is, so he passes them the ball to hit open shots.

Defensively, Simmons remains a stalwart as he can defend quicker guards and powerful big men. That is a helpful skill set for Brooklyn to win more games than without him. Unfortunately, his impact has softened due to his litany of injuries since joining in February 2022.

Every Nets fan wants Ben to play more games because they all know the Aussie guard can be the star they need to elevate the team to the next level. However, his injury history continues to haunt him, which has led to the Nets losing more games since they practice and craft a system with him in mind.

The Nets front office should have more backup plans

Ben’s injury history has also showcased the Brooklyn front office’s struggles to get the most out of the team. They would want Simmons out there every game, but injuries are a bitter pill to swallow.

The team should be more proactive with building the roster because relying on a talented yet injury-prone player like Simmons will lead to a tough time for everyone in Brooklyn.

The Nets roster and front office all hope for Ben to return to how he played in Philly. That version of Ben was him at the peak of his ability, as he was running almost every possession and dominating every matchup without the need for jump shots. Getting Ben back to his best will lead to great things for Brooklyn, as the team needs him to get healthy.

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A depleted Brooklyn Nets team gets blown out 108 to 81 by the Orlando Magic

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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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