Helping the Brooklyn Nets run smoothly are Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. With Durant sidelined for a month after injuring his MCL, in addition to Kyrie Irving, other players on the Nets will have to step up and contribute. This could be the perfect situation for three-time All-Star Ben Simmons to step up his workload and play a bigger role. Head coach Jacques Von Durant told the media what his plans are for Simmons as he heals.
The Brooklyn Nets are a scorching 18-2 in their last 20 games, but how will they fare without Durant next month? Kyrie Irving can carry the offense to some extent and needs the help of players like Simmons to help create for others.
New York sports betting sites have the Nets at (+750) to win the Finals this season.
The Nets say Kevin Durant (knee) is out for the rest of the game pic.twitter.com/8XNMak8nWb
— Chris Mannix (@SICHrisMannix) January 9, 2023
With KD out, Ben Simmons will have to play a big role for Brooklyn
Tonight’s matchup against the Boston Celtics will be the Nets’ first game next month without their legendary forward. It’s the perfect opportunity for Ben Simmons to play a big role for the Nets and control the pace of their offense. For the 2022-23 season, Simmons averaged 8/7/6 in 30 games. Brooklyn needs the Ben Simmons of old, the 2017-18 ROY and 2019-20 All-NBA player.
Speaking to the media, Brooklyn head coach Jacques Vaughn made his plans public and they want Simmons to bring them to their offense.
“The next step is to play each property aggressively, from the beginning to the end of the property,” … “and it becomes a habit for you to practice constantly.” [do] From possession to possession and game to game. So the speed he creates for us, the easy shots he creates for us because of his speed is a must. And [I’m] Looking forward to it. – Jacques Von
Simmons had a season-high 22 points against the Grizzlies and the Nets could use a few more 20-point games from him while Durant is out. He needs to continue to take quality shots and play locked-down defense. He returned a career-high 42 points in February 2021. Brooklyn would love to see that type of offensive player back on the court.
