What left the return of Ben Simmons? Stats and observations from the Australian’s debut with the Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers

After 470 days, Ben Simmons was active again on an NBA court, beyond a preseason game. The Aussie saw action for the first time since that fateful end to the 2020-2021 season in the playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks (did not play in 2021-22), wearing Brooklyn Nets colors for the first time. The opponent; None other than his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers.

What did Simmons’ Brooklyn premiere leave behind? Here are the most important stats and observations after playing 19 minutes in the first half (starters only played that first half). As for the party, in the background in this case, The victory was in the hands of the 76ers with a score of 127-108, with an excellent performance by Tyrese Maxey (20 points in 14 minutes)

Ben Simmons Stats

Simmons played 19:08 minutes of the first half and finished with 6 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 2 turnovers, 3-6 from the field and 0-2 from free throws. Brooklyn was -10 during his stretch on the field.

Its position in the original figure

As expected, Steve Nash opened the match with a starting quintet consisting of Kyrie IrvingJoe Harris (another returning from injury, 6 points in 15 minutes), Kevin Durant, Ben Simmons and Nick Claxton. Unlike what happened with the Sixers, the Aussie started inside with Claxton.

different role

Simmons He will no longer be the full-time point guard he was with the Sixersin addition to occasionally picking up the ball to start the Nets offense, in a role that shared with Irving. Instead, the former Philadelphia was seen in functions much more typical of an interior: screen (usually Kyrie), cut to the rim without the ball, grab it dunker point and even receiving several hung balls (without success in these attempts).

In fact, two of his three conversions went in the field simple definition actions in paintingassisted by one of his companions. The rest, in the field where I usually feel most comfortable: the transition.

Second drive driver

At least in this first match, Steve Nash indicated his intention to use Simmons as part of the second unit, where sharing the court with Patty Mills, he was able to play much more of a classic point guard, leaving the former Spurs compatriot in the classic shooting role. The LSU-trained player’s versatility will allow the coaching staff to be creative with their rotations.

A problem without a solution

Time off the field doesn’t seem to have changed much from the more infamous deficit by Simmons: Shot. The Australian missed his shots away from the directness of the rim and also missed both of his free throw attempts, presenting no change in terms of mechanics. Three shots? Of course not. He didn’t look at the hoop outside the paint area.