Before the Trade Deadline last February 10, the Philadelphia 76ers traded All-Star point guard Ben Simmons, alongside shooter Seth Curry and veteran center Andre Drummond plus two first-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets. In return, the Nets gave up superstar James Harden with veteran forward Paul Millsap.
Ben Simmons hasn’t played a single game since the beginning of the 2021-2022 season. But, since being traded to the Brooklyn Nets, he’s been taking part in team training and scrimmages, as well as training with their coaches for player development.
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The Sixers and the Nets will face off this coming March 11. It will be a highly anticipated match-up because of the previous drama caused by both Simmons and Harden in their previous teams. That is if these two players will come and show up on the stage.
If Ben decides to play the remainder of the season for the Nets, what will he be able to contribute to the team?
Simmons was the first overall draft pick back in 2016 but was only able to play the next season, where he won the Rookie of the Year.
The Australian phenom is a 6-foot-11 point guard. His best asset is his great court vision and excellent playmaking skills. Ben is adept at involving his teammates in a play which makes him a great teammate. He’s also a great defender, who can almost guard the 1 to 5 positions.
The problem Ben has is his inability (or the lack of will) to shoot the ball at times. This could be his greatest weakness going forward. Though he’s already in his 5th year, he really hasn’t developed a jumper yet.
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With the addition of Simmons to a talented roster of the Brooklyn Nets, they might look scary in the future. If Kevin Durant comes back, and if Kyrie can play all of the games, the team is a lock for the NBA Championship.
In this team, Simmons does not have to worry much about shooting the ball.
He can be the main ball handler but as a facilitator. Kyrie can play the shooting guard position, while KD is still the primary scorer in the forward spot. With LaMarcus Aldrige and Andre Drummond on the paint, as well as excellent shooters off the bench in Seth Curry, Joe Harris, Goran Dragic, and Patty Mills, Ben has a million choices for a sure bucket.
Brooklyn can also rely on Ben on the defensive end of the floor. He is a 3-time All-Star as well as a 2-time All-NBA Defensive team member.
He is actually a solid addition to a pool of great shooters and scorers. A guy who can facilitate and defend at the same time.
What could be a future problem for this team-up?
We have seen a “mentally unprepared” Ben Simmons in the Sixers. KD and Kyrie also have their drama going on, but that’s another thing. What matters the most is if their chemistry will work.
The team looks great on paper. In fantasy basketball, this team is surely a championship contender. The Lakers looked like this too when they signed Russell Westbrook at the beginning of the season, but it did not translate to winning games.
If they put their ego aside, only then will we see what the Nets are capable of. I’ll bet my money they can go for 62-20 next season if things do go well.
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