Inside The Nets

How Ben Simmons helps maximize the Brooklyn Nets roster

In his first game back, Simmons already captured Nets fans’ imagination.

Peter Sunjic

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As soon as Ben Simmons checked into the game for Brooklyn, the team displayed a unique energy. Every player looked eager to run, which is what Ben brings to the table. He is a superb playmaker, especially in the transition style Coach Jacque Vaughn wants to keep seeing.

In a few minutes in the first quarter, Ben already had six assists, mostly from transition buckets. The Nets looked cohesive and much better than they were without the Aussie guard when the team played at a slower pace.

“I told them as soon as we checked in. They know what time it is... It’s just about sharing the ball and playing the right way,” Simmons said after the performance against Utah.

Transition basketball is where the Nets succeed

During the early part of the season, the Nets were playing with superb energy. When Brooklyn rebounded the ball, Nets players were running with Simmons or Dennis Smith Jr. handling the ball.

Players like Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale capitalized on transition plays with spot-up three-pointers, while others like Ben and Nic Claxton feasted on layups and dunks. The offense was potent because the ball was moving, and there was a set playstyle for the Nets.

Since Coach Vaughn wanted to implement that style since training camp, it was a comfortable way for the players to play. When Brooklyn had to play slower, the half-court offense struggled. Now that Ben is back, that’s not an issue for the most part since he’s locked in on transition play.

“It’s always a fast break when I have the ball,” Simmons cracked a joke after the game.

Ben’s teammates trust him to make a play

Any time Simmons has the ball, there is no anxious energy coming from the Nets squad. During practice, they have been working with Ben to play faster because the players know their athleticism can be the key to success.

“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 in his post-game interview, talking about Ben’s impact on the team.

That statement from Walker is crucial to seeing what their main playmaker means to the team. The Nets want Ben to be the primary point guard, and being healthy is a big part of their success going forward.

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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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