Inside The Nets

The Brooklyn Nets roster talks about the players they model their game after

Unveiling the basketball legends that have influenced the Brooklyn Nets' players' playing styles.

Peter Sunjic

© Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Most NBA players grew up watching the league and its most prominent players. That is also the case for most of the Brooklyn Nets roster, as they have learned and modeled their games after their favorite players. Looking at their idols proves they have learned well by watching their game tapes.

“I modeled my game after LeBron (James), D-Wade is one of my favorite players, and Magic Johnson. Getting everyone involved and being creative,” Ben Simmons said when asked who he modeled his game after.

The Nets players gave names that are accurate to their style

Ben Simmons' penchant for playmaking shines through, evident in his preference for the point guard role despite his towering 6'10" frame. Drawing inspiration from notable figures like LeBron James and Earvin "Magic" Johnson, who themselves embodied the essence of oversized point guards, Simmons has crafted a game that stands out.

Mikal Bridges' surprising choice of Tracy McGrady as his role model may have raised some eyebrows during his time with the Phoenix Suns. However, his performance since joining the Brooklyn Nets has demonstrated how much he has learned from T-Mac's distinctive style of play. Mikal has become the go-to scorer for the Nets, as he averaged 26.1 points in his 27 regular season games with the team.

Moving on to the defensive side of the ball, Dorian Finney-Smith’s model is six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen. He cites his elite defense and how he played a role on the Chicago Bulls. DFS is a perfect example of a role player as he knows how to be a supporting piece to stars like Bridges and Simmons, like what Pip did with Michael Jordan.

The Nets have a talented squad ahead of the 2023/24 season

With the 2023/24 season underway, the Nets have a mini win streak going, with two consecutive victories, and they're eager to extend it against the struggling Bulls. 

Unlike the pressure they faced in the 2022/23 season with a "championship or bust" mentality featuring Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the team is now focused on team growth while securing wins.

Ben Simmons is thriving as the Brooklyn Nets’ primary playmaker

Published
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.

Home/Off the Court