With Kevin Durant officially in Phoenix now, the only trace that remains from the KD-Kyrie era is former no 1. overall pick Ben Simmons.
After forcing his way out of Philadelphia and onto a Nets roster built to win now, Simmons had trouble finding his footing and encountered many of the same problems he had been struggling with in Philadelphia.
Today, however, both stars and gone, and all the pressure off of Simmons to contribute in high-stakes situations. Only time will tell how he responds to his new situation, but he is certainly speaking like someone who recognizes the opportunity.
In a chat with the NY Post, Ben got real on the new-look Nets and what kind of culture his new teammates are building in the locker room.
“We’ve got a lot of guys that are happy to be here and just want to play and win. So they compete. So it’s good; it’s good energy here.”
Ben Simmons on the new-look #Nets: “We’ve got a lot of guys that are happy to be here and just want to play and win. So they compete. So it's good; it's good energy here.”
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) February 13, 2023
Of course, due to his own offensive struggles, Simmons has seen a steady decline in his role and minutes and often gets shut out completely in the fourth quarter.
“It’s a little frustrating trying to find some rhythm and consistency,” Simmons said,” but that’s what it is at this point right now. Guys have been in and out due to injuries, trades, so there’s been a lot of different things that play factors into it.”
Without a true superstar, the Nets are unlikely to get far in the playoffs this year, but they can still make some noise or even win a series if they can play together and maximize each other’s talents.
As for Simmons, the jury is still out on what his future holds.
Will Ben Simmons Ever Be An All-Star Again?
Interestingly, Ben Simmons has somehow landed in the perfect situation. With no pressure to win, Simmons is free to be himself and play a larger role on a roster that is still very talented and deep.
In fact, this could be the perfect chance for him to re-discover his All-Star potential.
“I believe he can get back to where he was with us; especially now I think because he’ll have the ball in his hands more…It’s just going to take time.”
With years left on his deal, Simmons will have some more chances to find his game before he has to negotiate his next deal. So, if he wants to secure his future in the league beyond an average role-player, Simmons will have to show some degree of growth and development in his game.
If he can somehow build up his confidence offensively and become more effective on that end of the floor, it could re-open the conversation about what the Nets might be capable of with this roster.
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