I’m watching this Nets/Bucks preseason game and Ben Simmons has 6 points and 6 assists at the end of the first quarter. I’m usually in agreement with Doris Burke, but she’s talking about his stat line and I’m watching the game… Ben has been missing defensive assignments, not going for rebounds, not rolling off the screen, and passing up open jump shots. I actually think he looks pretty bad out there, but he’ll probably get a first half triple double…
Simmons ended up with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Not bad knowing that he isn't 100% and at least he is doing what he really wants to do, and it is to pass and pass the ball. It's good to see him playing again now with a different team.
Unlike when he is in Philly when they want him to shoot threes, I guess he doesn't need to do it now that he is in Brooklyn because the roster is loaded with offensive players like Kyrie, KD, O'neal, Harris and Curry. I think he will be comfortable now because they will not oblige him to shoot because as a point guard of the team, the main objective is to carry the ball and to pass to an open teammate.
The Nets won by 10 points. It's only a pre-season game but still helpful to build the chemistry of both teams.
He was caught by the hype of every guard should be shooting threes. They forgot to just let him do what he is best at.
Perimeter shooting should be enough to make a successful hesitation move, and he has a choice to use his body instead to force the ball near the rim.
When it comes to making more assists, he is in good hands with Steve Nash. That guy is the definition of being unselfish and does specialize in passing the ball.
This season if Ben will be healthy in 80 games he might make more double-doubles in assists and rebounds instead of points.
Aside from his passing, he should still add some focus to his offense. It will be a good spark between KD, Kyrie and him.
Since both stars are offensive and Simmons will feed them the ball, they can take it or pass it back to Simmons to
go strong to the basket, still young and his upper body is really strong. It's more on how he will take the obligation
in helping the Nets to win more games and a possible chase to win the title.