“He is one of the greatest mysteries of this league” NBA analyst believes Ben Simmons playing center for the Nets would be incredible
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Brain Windhorst on Ben Simmons
Brooklyn Nets might finally have their big three with Ben Simmons on the floor. After lots of crunching over Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving trades, the Brooklyn team managed to hold on to their marquee players and now have the opportunity to field all three stars at the same time. Though KD and Kyrie have not been very much successful in their Nets’ stay, Ben Simmons’ availability could be a big boost for the team. Many are anticipating Ben Simmons’ first game with the Brooklyn Nets including the Nets themselves. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst even thinks that Simmons could be the mystery guy for them in the 2023 season.
While making an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, NBA reporter and writer Windhorst gave different roles Simmons can play in the Nets lineup. He said, “Ben Simmons is one of the great mysteries in the entire NBA. You can tell me that Ben Simmons is gonna get them nothing this year, and I would say that’s possible. You could also tell me that they’re gonna deploy a lineup with Ben Simmons playing center, Joe Harris and Seth Curry playing shooting positions with Kyrie and Durant, and … you talk about the death lineup the Warriors used to run, that’s the death lineup on steroids. That would be incredible.”
6’11” Simmons played at the guard and forward position for the 76ers. He is yet to make his debut with the Nets, but with the All-Star guard playing alongside Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the Nets could be one of the most dreaded teams. Now they seemingly have a chance to finally play together next season.
Ben Simmons can change fortune for Brooklyn Nets.
Former overall no. 1 pick in 2016 is a great mix of size and athletism. He won rookie of the year in 2018 after making a return from an injury. Playing 4 seasons for the 76ers, Simmons showcased his versatility with the ball. He played at the guard position and even at a forward position for them. That certainly is a rare thing for a player at the NBA level. He did well in both positions averaging above 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists per game for the Philly team.
On the “Dan Patrick Show,”, Windhorst emphasized the same point. With Kyrie on the floor, Simmons can move closer to the rim, while he can also move to the number 1 position in absence of Irving. Windhorst mentioned, “I’m not saying they’re going to play 30 minutes a game, that would be incredible. I don’t know whether Ben Simmons can manage it, but there’s all of a sudden a whole bunch of different things this team can do that has me thinking about them in basketball terms instead of, ‘What’s gonna happen with their star players?'”
Windhorst also added that the Nets’ potential starting lineup, with Simmons at the center, could be one of the most potent in that league – as they would have all their 3 megastars on the floor at a time. There is no question about the quality of Kevin Durant and Irving, but they missed a third proven star to make a push in the postseason games. Eventually, the Nets were swept aside by 2022 NBA finalists Boston Celtics. But Simmons’ presence might be the difference.
Some fans would go back to Ben’s 2021 display in the Eastern Conference semifinals. He was trolled throughout that summer for passing up an open dunk out of fear of being sent to the free-throw line. But after a year-long break, and working out on his shooting, Simmons certainly is a great “mystery” piece for the Nets.
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