Realistic Scenarios for Nets' Ben Simmons in 2024-25

How could this season go for the former All-Star after a rough injury history?

Feb 26, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) passes the ball as Memphis Grizzlies forward Jake LaRavia (3) defends during the second half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Simmons' tenure with the Brooklyn Nets has been underwhelming, to say the least. the 6-foot-10 point forward averaged 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in just 15 games before suffering a major injury again, shortening his season by a wide margin.

The 28-year-old has one year left on his $177 million contract, where he will make $40.3 million next season. It's safe to say that given his age, performance, availability, and contract, Simmons is one of, if not the most untradeable player in the NBA right now.

However, this new low could be a turning point for the former No. 1 pick. Simmons is expected to return to the court fully healthy for the 2024-25 season, in a Jordi Fernandez offense emphasizing unselfishness and a quick pace, Simmons' bread and butter. There are plenty of realistic scenarios for how Simmons' upcoming season will go.

Simmons Plays Majority of Season with Pedestrian Stats

Feb 6, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) passes the ball as Dallas Mavericks forward Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) and forward Maxi Kleber (42) pursue during the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports / John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

This is the most likely scenario for Simmons. Having not played since Feb. 26, he will look to have fully recovered from a pinched nerve in his lower back. Likely to receive limited minutes depending on how the Nets handle this offseason, it's probable for him to get around 25-27 minutes per night, which would result in similar numbers to last season.

Simmons Plays Majority of Season with Resurgence

Jan 29, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV (8) greets guard Ben Simmons (10) during a timeout in the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports / Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

This is the dream of Nets fans, and one that many basketball fans are pulling for. When Simmons was at his peak, he had just entered the NBA, averaging 16.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. If Fernandez's system works in Simmons' favor, he should receive good minutes, which could warrant a career renaissance.

We know the 3-point shot won't improve, but if the Nets have a high pace, and capture a younger, more explosive offense, the Australian could thrive as the starting point guard if the Nets don't already have one going into the 2024-25 campaign.

Brooklyn Benches/Releases Simmons

Oct 18, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) reacts to a call against the Miami Heat during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports / Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

With the way his tenure has been in Brooklyn since 2022, this could be a last-resort decision that could benefit both sides. It's highly unlikely Simmons will be traded, meaning either way, the Nets have to eat the last year of his contract. If the organization doesn't see a situation in which Simmons could play and win them games, sliding him down the end of the bench is a potential decision, but they can also release him to save an extra roster spot.

Injuries Continue to Derail Simmons' Career

Dec 22, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets injured guard Ben Simmons (10) watches from the bench during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

This is something no one wants to see. Simmons was so promising heading into year four with Philly, but a dip in stats, a team dispute, and injuries didn't see him play at all in the 2021-22 season, with just 57 games played over the past two campaigns. The recurring injuries are something the Nets need to be prepared for. Hopefully, this is a comeback season for Simmons, but we can only believe it until we see it.

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