The Brooklyn Nets are readying up for a big year where they hope to make a run at the championship or risk losing stars like Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. Irving is a free agent in the 2023 offseason and will probably entertain all offers that he can, given the refusal of the Nets to give him a max contract extension so far.
Kevin Durant wanted out of the team but soon realized that the best option for him to win a title still existed with the Brooklyn Nets. One of the mysteries of the Nets is the fit of Ben Simmons next to Kyrie and KD, as Ben is yet to debut with the team after being acquired in February.
Simmons was asked about his on-court fit with KD and Kyrie during the Nets’ media day, where he revealed that the trio has been playing together and that their fit together looks incredible.
Ben Simmons has been practicing alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Simmons' thoughts?
"Incredible." pic.twitter.com/P4cOGO2uPR
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) September 26, 2022
Kyrie and KD excel at the things Simmons struggles with, while Simmons was arguably the best perimeter defender in the NBA the last time we saw him. Having these 3 weapons on a team is extremely intriguing and gives head coach Steve Nash a lot of options in terms of how he wants this lineup to play out.
How Will Simmons Be Used In Brooklyn?
Ideally, Simmons would be a perfect power forward on the Nets roster, but that poses a few issues. The only valid center that the Nets have right now is Nicholas Claxton. Playing Simmons and Claxton together will be a challenge due to both players not being good shooters.
Ben could form a dangerous backcourt with Kyrie, as Simmons can focus his offensive prowess on creation for other players and the two offensive maestros on the team. Kyrie can return to the off-ball role he had when James Harden was on the team, but is it smart to take the ball out of Kyrie’s hand and put it in Simmons?
The strategic use of Simmons alongside Kyrie and KD will be one of the most intriguing things to watch come next season. If they do look incredible together, the league should be scared about the Nets coming back from the dead to contend for the championship.
