Inside The Nets

Ben Simmons is thriving as the Brooklyn Nets’ primary playmaker

Simmons is looking comfortable running the offense for the Brooklyn Nets.

Peter Sunjic

© Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
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Ben Simmons has settled in as the starting point guard for the Brooklyn Nets. Some question marks were swirling around his role on the Nets, but he was adamant that he is a starting point guard.

He is proving his point so far this season because, after the first three games, Ben is averaging 8.3 assists in the 2023/24 season. This is a good sign that he’s healthy and ready to contribute to the system that Jacque Vaughn wants them to play.

“That’s gonna be a priority of mine, just get out on the run, push the ball, push the pace, and find my guys,” Ben said after the Nets’ first win against the Hornets. “I think that’s the first part about our team; we’re gonna go out and run. But I don’t think that’s everything about us, we’ve got some growing to do. We’re capable of playing the half-court, too.”

The Nets thrive in transition

With the Australian on the floor, you can always expect him to push the pace as soon as he grabs the rebound. He will look to catch the defenders off guard with his elite dribbling skills, even at 6’10”. Simmons also has elite vision, which helps him locate his teammates for open shots from the perimeter or them leaking out into the paint to score.

The commitment to a transition style of play isn't limited to Ben Simmons alone, as backup point guard Dennis Smith Jr. employs a similar, fast-paced approach thanks to his athleticism and speed, aligning with Coach Vaughn's emphasis on the team's proficiency in fast breaks, and Ben is actively reinforcing this mentality among his teammates.

Ben looks like his old self

While playing for the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons looked like one of the best, unique guards in the NBA. He was an elite defender, and his playmaking helped Joel Embiid to score at a reliable rate. Unfortunately, Simmons had a few hiccups during his time there, resulting in him being traded to Brooklyn.

Having overcome various injuries, including a significant back problem, Ben Simmons is now back to his prime form. He's displaying his signature flashy passes and driving into the paint with authority, even dunking over defenders. With this level of play, the potential for success extends not only to Ben but to the entire Nets team as well.

Ben Simmons is ready to be a leader for the Brooklyn Nets

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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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