Ben Simmons will likely be within the limelight much more because the Brooklyn Nets attempt to preserve their profitable methods whereas ready for Kevin Durant’s return. KD’s absence as a result of a proper knee MCL damage has induced an enormous gap in Jacque Vaughn’s offense.
With out KD, the Nets and their followers count on Simmons to place up extra than simply the 7.5 PPG he’s averaging this season. Kenny Smith, on Contained in the NBA, had an intriguing suggestion on how the Australian can enhance his scoring output:
(4:50 mark)
“All he [Simmons] has to do is watch Russell Westbrook as a result of what occurs is that they again off you. They again off Russell Westbrook. Russell Westbrook says, ‘Now you already know what, you again off me, I’m simply not strolling into it. I’m gonna come at you full velocity, use my dimension.’ That’s what he might do.
“If he watches Russell Westbrook and the function that he has, he scores the identical means. He will get into the lane and scores and passes the identical means. If he needs to be a scorer, all he has to do is watch Russell Westbrook.
Smith is oversimplifying issues along with his suggestion. Ben Simmons and Russell Westbrook might have considerably the identical worth as offensive gamers, however there may be one massive distinction. The LA Lakers level guard has unwavering perception and confidence in himself.
Simmons, in the meantime, has been obviously devoid of these two since his disastrous marketing campaign in opposition to the Atlanta Hawks within the 2021 playoffs. One essential second in Sport 7 of that collection has hounded the previous Philadelphia 76ers star to no finish.
Philly followers haven’t forgiven him for passing up an open dunk within the deciding recreation in opposition to the diminutive Trae Younger.
Ben Simmons hasn’t recovered from that personally traumatic collection. He didn’t try a single shot within the fourth quarter from Video games 4-7. Philly’s loss wasn’t completely on the previous LSU star, however he was the largest purpose why their offense disintegrated.
Since taking part in for the Brooklyn Nets, his confidence in taking pictures has gone kaput. Earlier this season, a clip of Kyrie Irving desperately urging Simmons to try a point-blank shot went viral. The 6’10 level guard didn’t even trouble to take a look at the rim earlier than passing the ball outdoors.
Charles Barkley can’t evaluate Ben Simmons to Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is rarely wanting confidence or bravado. Generally, his overconfidence has been his downfall.
The betting favourite to win the Sixth Man of the 12 months award this season is a former MVP and part of the NBA’s seventy fifth Anniversary group. He’s the league’s triple-double king and is definitely a first-ballot Corridor of Famer.
Charles Barkley couldn’t agree with Kenny Smith’s evaluation as each are of various ranges:
“I don’t need you evaluating him to Russell as a result of Russell’s a Corridor of Famer and he’s one of many best gamers within the NBA. … He’s [Simmons] by no means been the identical since then [against the Hawks in the playoffs]. He’s afraid to get fouled.”
The Brooklyn Nets couldn’t care much less how Ben Simmons can contribute extra along with his scoring. They’re certainly not glad spending $35.4 million on a participant who’s averaging 7.5 PPG and who barely hides his utter insecurity.