Recent reports have emerged that Ben Simmons may be targeting a return during the Brooklyn Nets’ first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
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That would be a mistake.
The Nets should consider shutting Simmons down for the remainder of the season, as his return could throw a team that’s seen plenty of roster changes this year into further disarray.
Brooklyn Nets should keep Ben Simmons out for NBA Playoffs
Ben Simmons is not known for his playoff dominance. Last season, Simmons was the recipient of a lot of blame for his role in the Philadelphia 76ers’ loss to the Atlanta Hawks. One play in particular, where Simmons didn’t take an open layup and instead made a pass, led to criticism of Simmons, which ultimately led to him missing the entire season and being traded to Brooklyn.
Though Simmons is a talented player, a rushed return during the Nets’ playoff series would not be beneficial for the team.
Lineup-wise, the Nets play enough non-shooters as it is. It is unlikely sharing the floor with Andre Drummond would be a viable option for Simmons, and Drummond has been playing very well in a traditional center role for Brooklyn.
It’s unlikely Simmons would take to a backup center role, but that may be what makes the most sense given the Nets’ roster construction. Simmons would likely need to play with Durant, Irving, Seth Curry, and Patty Mills as the lone non-shooter on the floor for the Nets to retain any semblance of spacing.
There’s also no promise Simmons would mesh well with the Nets, after not having played with them all season. The NBA Playoffs are a tough situation to be experimenting with line-ups, so taking time to build chemistry is not something the Nets can afford.
Per coach Steve Nash, Simmons does have some understanding of his role on the team.
asked Steve Nash if he has sat down with Ben Simmons to watch film, go over what his role will be, etc.
— James Herbert (@outsidethenba) April 14, 2022
Nash said: “I have not individually. He is in all our film sessions, though. He does see the positions he’ll be in and the roles he’ll have with our team there.”
Still, seeing something in a film session and playing it out on the court are two entirely different things. Experimenting with Simmons lineups could cost the Nets valuable points in a series where Boston is favored to win.
Simmons is a highly-paid player, who no doubt is hoping to get some playoff reps with his new team. The Nets would be making a mistake, though, if they try to squeeze him into the rotation this late in the year.
To have any chance of beating the surging Boston Celtics, the Nets should hold Simmons out for the time being.