The Brooklyn Nets are on the verge of adding one of the game’s brightest stars in the form of Ben Simmons after acquiring him in a big deadline deal that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers. While Harden is the better player of the two, Simmons brings a lot to the Nets that they need.
Simmons is an elite defender, he is a guy who can get others involved, and despite his obvious offensive limitations, he looks like he will be a great fit next to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The Nets also acquired Seth Curry in the deal who shot 45% from deep in his one season playing with Simmons in the 2020-21 season in Philadelphia.
Nets general manager Sean Marks has been very high on Simmons as he told Brian Lewis of The New York Post while hosting an event for season ticket holders:
“No secret: He’s an elite NBA basketball player. We’ve had our eyes on him for quite some time, truth be told. His versatility stands out, just what he can do on both ends of the court offensively and defensively. It’s how he fits with that group, what we need, where our holes are,” Marks told the ticket holders.
“Ben, he can lead the break, a guy that can grab a defensive rebound and go, and everyone else can just fill the lane. I don’t know if he’s a point guard, I don’t know if he’s a 4 -man, I don’t know if he’s a 5-man. But I do know he’s a hell of a basketball player. So we’re excited about him.”
Simmons has yet to play in the 2021-22 season as he did not want to play for the Sixers anymore after a tough playoff run and a tumultuous offseason that included an official trade request in August. He held out from the team and when he did return, he stated that he was not mentally ready to play for the team again.
This post originally appeared on Nets Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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