"We need him to 'Run, Forrest, Run'... Defensively is really where you need him" - NBA insider asserts Brooklyn Nets have weapons outside of their 'Big 3'
The Brooklyn Nets will kick off their 2022-23 NBA season on Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. It will mark Ben Simmons' first NBA game in over a year, and the much anticipated debut of the Nets' 'Big 3.'
With significant roster turnover coming out of trades and acquisitions, the Nets' overhaul is yet to take full effect.
On Stadium's "Live on the Line," Bally Sports' NBA insider Brandon Robinson spoke on Ben Simmons' prospects and expectations and shed light on what we could possibly see from the Nets' new talent:
"Outlook looks great, specifically when you look at Ben Simmons and despite fouling out the last game in Minnesota, prior to that against the Bucks, he did everything on the floor, I've been using this analogy all season, we need him to 'Run, Forrest, Run!'
Brooklyn Nets have weapons besides their trio of @KyrieIrving @KDTrey5 & @BenSimmons25!
Appearing on @Stadium's @LiveontheLine I explain why @24_camthomas @_claxton33 & @dayron_sharpe mean a ton to BROOKLYN!
PRESS PLAY to hear my chat with @daniklup! https://t.co/h1m624Ung9
"He can score, he can distribute but he doesn't have to give 20-30 points a game, defensively is where you need him in that 'Run, Forrest, Run!' kinda situation.
"It's not just that big three, Cam Thomas, Day'Ron Sharpe as well as Nicolas Claxton have been playing their tails off. "
The most notable of the Brooklyn Nets' acquisitions this season included T.J. Warren, Royce O'Neale and Markief Morris. The Nets also signed Patty Mills and Kessler Edwards to two-year contracts.
"The Nets are in a good sitaution, but so too are the Bucks, so too are a myriad of other teams, even the Celtics, despite some of the off-season chatter."
Ben Simmons likely to start as the Brooklyn Nets' point-guard
After a year away from basketball, Ben Simmons started all his games in the point-guard position, with Irving as the shooting-guard. As previously speculated, Irving's off-ball movement didn't seem to be a troubling factor as Simmons distributed at the top of the key.
Simmons put on a defensive clinic in the preseason for the Brooklyn Nets, displaying his ability to suffocate guards and forwards alike, be it out on the perimeter or in the paint.
However, his court-vision and passing lent itself well to being utilized in a number of plays.
Simmons proved effective as a screener, passer and short-roller, be it in a dribble hand-off or out of the pick-and-roll. His go-ahead/outlook passes opened up fastbreak play for the Nets like never before.
As a six-foot-ten point-guard, both Simmons and Claxton have become a threat in the paint, and with Durant not having to bear the burden of making plays (Durant averaged 6.4 assists per game last season, a career-high), can flourish as the prolific scorer we know him to be.
Simmons' role with the team is clearly defined, and shooting, while encouraged, is not exactly a requirement with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Joe Harris, Seth Curry and Patty Mills all specializing in the area.
Working towards Wednesday. https://t.co/nBR056I494