3 bold predictions for the Brooklyn Nets next season

Brooklyn Nets Prediction #2: Ben Simmons is an All-Star

Now we’re getting weird. Ben Simmons, who was traded to the Nets in the move that bagged the Philadelphia 76ers’ James Harden, has never played for the franchise. It is unclear when he will play again, as everything from back issues to his mentality towards the game itself being questioned, to making sure he got the money he was owed by the 76ers from his contract, has come up instead.

But what if Simmons is ready to go on opening night? It’s been forgotten about now, but if the roster stays the same, Simmons would be the third-best player. That would mean less pressure than he faced while in Philadelphia, with two co-stars in Irving and Durant who will always dominate the headlines anyway.

You can argue Joel Embiid did exactly that while Simmons was with the 76ers, but the fit between the two (both on the court and in terms of their glaringly different personalities) was under the microscope from year one. But let’s look at some of the facts to back up a prediction that right now looks outrageous.

Simmons has been an All-Star three times already in his career. He is 26 and only entering his prime. He has made an All-Defensive team twice. He was the Rookie of the Year. He also has career averages of 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game in 275 games to date.

If you take out the capitulation in the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, that is a guy who you would bet on having more success in regular season situations. Say what you want about the postseason, because right now there is no defense of Simmons, but he can absolutely be an All-Star again. He’s in the perfect place and being asked to do exactly what he’s good at. Look at all he’s achieved while in a different, less comfortable situation.