The Official Ben 10 Simmons Thread

[MGrand15]

I'm less worried about Simmons and more worried about the pieces we put around him. If we consistently play him next to Kyrie, Patty, Curry, Harris, KD + LMA/Blake as bigs - he'll be great. Ben's defense is always at NBA level. His transition game is always elite. He's always been really good at finding shooters and making the right plays. He's not a good iso player but he 100% punishes team who put small guys on him. That'll help Kyrie who occasionally gets big wings thrown at him.

The problem is we haven't shown any desire to put shooting on the court this year. We seriously need to figure that out now that one of our core pieces isn't a shooter. Last year we were so strict about it that Bruce Brown and Claxton basically never played together. This year we're throwing lineups out there that couldn't score on a college team. If we play Ben in lineups like that, he's going to fail - just like every player on the planet would outside of KD and a handful of superstars.

[Netaman]

I'm less worried about Simmons and more worried about the pieces we put around him. If we consistently play him next to Kyrie, Patty, Curry, Harris, KD + LMA/Blake as bigs - he'll be great. Ben's defense is always at NBA level. His transition game is always elite. He's always been really good at finding shooters and making the right plays. He's not a good iso player but he 100% punishes team who put small guys on him. That'll help Kyrie who occasionally gets big wings thrown at him.

The problem is we haven't shown any desire to put shooting on the court this year. We seriously need to figure that out now that one of our core pieces isn't a shooter. Last year we were so strict about it that Bruce Brown and Claxton basically never played together. This year we're throwing lineups out there that couldn't score on a college team. If we play Ben in lineups like that, he's going to fail - just like every player on the planet would outside of KD and a handful of superstars.

i don't think the problem this year has been desire - they just haven't had the shooting with Harris and Kyrie missing most of the year.

Patty, KD, LMA, Harden are the only guys you'd consider shooters who've played steady minutes and Nash literally played all of them until wheels started coming off.

Curry and Kyrie are arguably as good of shooters from 3 as there are on this roster which is why those 2 becoming full time players is essential to this team's success going forward. If Harris comes back they'd have as much shooting as anyone in the entire league but there's no guarantee he comes back, and if he does there's no guarantee he's not the choker he was last year.

Swap Harris for Curry last year and they'd be defending champs.

[MrDollarBills]

I'm less worried about Simmons and more worried about the pieces we put around him. If we consistently play him next to Kyrie, Patty, Curry, Harris, KD + LMA/Blake as bigs - he'll be great. Ben's defense is always at NBA level. His transition game is always elite. He's always been really good at finding shooters and making the right plays. He's not a good iso player but he 100% punishes team who put small guys on him. That'll help Kyrie who occasionally gets big wings thrown at him.

The problem is we haven't shown any desire to put shooting on the court this year. We seriously need to figure that out now that one of our core pieces isn't a shooter. Last year we were so strict about it that Bruce Brown and Claxton basically never played together. This year we're throwing lineups out there that couldn't score on a college team. If we play Ben in lineups like that, he's going to fail - just like every player on the planet would outside of KD and a handful of superstars.

I'm going to be blunt, outside of KD, Kyrie, Mills, Seth, Joe, Kess, LMA, Cam, Blake, and one of AD/Clax, no one else should play. Sharpe should probably head down to the G League with Duke Jr. to get reps. Brown, Carter, and Johnson should be waving towels.

I'm so pissed that Bembry got cut.

[Paradise]

Ben 10

Read on Twitter

[Hello Brooklyn]

Simmons is a defensive monster.

I was no fan of his but willing to give him a chance.

With KD and part time Kyrie we just really need him to help us guard other teams players. We haven't had a great defensive player on this team since Jason Kidd.

A bigger Jason Kidd is what I think Simmons can be. Play defense, be a great passer and get rebounds.

And on transition be a beast. One of the best fast break players in the league.

The weaknesses are all mental. I don't care if he doesn't shoot jump shots. Just hit 70%+ of FTs. And stay focused.

[MrDollarBills]

Ben 10

Read on Twitter

He confirmed it on IG

Ben 10 it is

[Stone]

The big question is can Ben 10 get better ? He is 25 now and will be 26 next season. Everyones Prime/peek is different.

Of corse it is only a guess but I don't think we are looking at the finished product.

[3pt_chucker]

I actually don't fully agree with the "we don't need him to score" narrative, he's way too talented to just be a defensive specialist. I absolutely think we need/want him to score but I think the context of how we do that is important.

I really hope we use him like a better ball handling Giannis. (Obviously Giannis is MVP level and a better player but more about where/how he scores). I think we need to get him to lean into him being an uptempo attacker, who punishes switches and transitions

Here's where I think he should focus on attacking:

1) Transition/Semi-transition: Off turnovers, long rebounds, quick outlets etc, Simmons should be the #1 option. His ability to handle and explode to the rim is on par with the best in the league but what makes him really stand out is his vision and passing. On a one man fast break he's excellent at sucking in the defense and finding trailers/cutters/spot up shooters when needed with a variety of passes. There is a reason why at one point he led th league in 3pt shots generated. Perfect for a 7SOL offense.

2) Foul line/low block: Particularly on switches/mismatches, we should be looking for opportunities for him to punish smaller guards or wings. He's fairly decent at posting or operating in the low block/midrange/foul line area and finishing with a variety of hook shots or just bulldozing to the rim. If he can develop more post moves/finishes and perhaps a floater too, he'd be deadly. Again, this is also a fantastic way to utilize his vision and passing ability. If teams double, he has the size to look over the defense and see and make great passes to shooters/cutters. If not, he has a high % shot at the rim.

3) Dunker spot. This one is obvious. In a 5 out, he can play 4/5 and always be available for a lob/dump off.
KAI - Curry - Harris - Ben - KD would be an excellent lineup for this. Imagine Ben in Bruce Brown's role from last yr. Probably the best way to use him in the half court for now while chemistry/skills builds.

4) Offensive Glass: Easy buckets and he always has a knack for O-Reb put backs.

I think we should be setting the floor for him this season at 18/8/8, then 20/8/9 next season assuming we can truly work on his game and chemistry with the team. Last thing we need to do is force/encourage him to shoot 3s. That feels like a total waste of his skills/strengths as a player.

Obviously his FT shooting is huge factor but we shouldn't make it a burden that he's not high % right away. We need to convince him to continue being aggressive even if he's missing at the line because everything else he provides balances it out. All he needs to do is work on it until he's not a liability which takes time. Again, I want to use Giannis as a blueprint who is quietly now at 72% FTs and clearly figured it out during last season playoffs.

[Netaman]

I actually don't fully agree with the "we don't need him to score" narrative, he's way too talented to just be a defensive specialist. I absolutely think we need/want him to score but I think the context of how we do that is important.

I really hope we use him like a better ball handling Giannis. (Obviously Giannis is MVP level and a better player but more about where/how he scores). I think we need to get him to lean into him being an uptempo attacker, who punishes switches and transitions

Here's where I think he should focus on attacking:

1) Transition/Semi-transition: Off turnovers, long rebounds, quick outlets etc, Simmons should be the #1 option. His ability to handle and explode to the rim is on par with the best in the league but what makes him really stand out is his vision and passing. On a one man fast break he's excellent at sucking in the defense and finding trailers/cutters/spot up shooters when needed with a variety of passes. There is a reason why at one point he led th league in 3pt shots generated. Perfect for a 7SOL offense.

2) Foul line/low block: Particularly on switches/mismatches, we should be looking for opportunities for him to punish smaller guards or wings. He's fairly decent at posting or operating in the low block/midrange/foul line area and finishing with a variety of hook shots or just bulldozing to the rim. If he can develop more post moves/finishes and perhaps a floater too, he'd be deadly. Again, this is also a fantastic way to utilize his vision and passing ability. If teams double, he has the size to look over the defense and see and make great passes to shooters/cutters. If not, he has a high % shot at the rim.

3) Dunker spot. This one is obvious. In a 5 out, he can play 4/5 and always be available for a lob/dump off.
KAI - Curry - Harris - Ben - KD would be an excellent lineup for this. Imagine Ben in Bruce Brown's role from last yr. Probably the best way to use him in the half court for now while chemistry/skills builds.

4) Offensive Glass: Easy buckets and he always has a knack for O-Reb put backs.

I think we should be setting the floor for him this season at 18/8/8, then 20/8/9 next season assuming we can truly work on his game and chemistry with the team. Last thing we need to do is force/encourage him to shoot 3s. That feels like a total waste of his skills/strengths as a player.

Obviously his FT shooting is huge factor but we shouldn't make it a burden that he's not high % right away. We need to convince him to continue being aggressive even if he's missing at the line because everything else he provides balances it out. All he needs to do is work on it until he's not a liability which takes time. Again, I want to use Giannis as a blueprint who is quietly now at 72% FTs and clearly figured it out during last season playoffs.

This is an interesting point. I think the Draymond comparison in terms of role is right because there's nobody closer in terms of skills, but the glaring limitation of that comparison is that Draymonds pts/36 for his career is like 10 ppg with a career best of 14. Simmons career number is 17 ppg and his career best was 18. on a better TS%.

So if there's an area possibly being underestimated, it's maybe a lack of imagination in terms of how good deadly efficient Simmons could be as a scorer with KD/Irving getting so much attention. everyone is sort of taking for granted he's going to get shooters more looks and big guys more dunks. but he's also going to get himself more open looks (ducks).

[kane0801]

When will Ben can play?After all-star break?

[_Und3r][D4wg_]

Hope the reports of his psychological struggles with the Sixers have been overblown by his handlers & the media, and that he'll be ready to play in a week or two. Patty has already committed to helping Ben settle in with the team, and Ben himself had already paid his respects to the Alpha soon after the trade was announced.

Read on Twitter

Oh, and I hope he and Blake will already be past any awkwardness/tension due to the Kendall Jenner connection.

[JimmyPlopper]

I am a big supporter of Ben and will root for him to really succeed with you guys. I think you will be very pleased with the outcome of this trade. He should be the final piece for the Nets to win the title (I may put some money down)

[GTR11]

I actually don't fully agree with the "we don't need him to score" narrative, he's way too talented to just be a defensive specialist. I absolutely think we need/want him to score but I think the context of how we do that is important.

I really hope we use him like a better ball handling Giannis. (Obviously Giannis is MVP level and a better player but more about where/how he scores). I think we need to get him to lean into him being an uptempo attacker, who punishes switches and transitions

Here's where I think he should focus on attacking:

1) Transition/Semi-transition: Off turnovers, long rebounds, quick outlets etc, Simmons should be the #1 option. His ability to handle and explode to the rim is on par with the best in the league but what makes him really stand out is his vision and passing. On a one man fast break he's excellent at sucking in the defense and finding trailers/cutters/spot up shooters when needed with a variety of passes. There is a reason why at one point he led th league in 3pt shots generated. Perfect for a 7SOL offense.

2) Foul line/low block: Particularly on switches/mismatches, we should be looking for opportunities for him to punish smaller guards or wings. He's fairly decent at posting or operating in the low block/midrange/foul line area and finishing with a variety of hook shots or just bulldozing to the rim. If he can develop more post moves/finishes and perhaps a floater too, he'd be deadly. Again, this is also a fantastic way to utilize his vision and passing ability. If teams double, he has the size to look over the defense and see and make great passes to shooters/cutters. If not, he has a high % shot at the rim.

3) Dunker spot. This one is obvious. In a 5 out, he can play 4/5 and always be available for a lob/dump off.
KAI - Curry - Harris - Ben - KD would be an excellent lineup for this. Imagine Ben in Bruce Brown's role from last yr. Probably the best way to use him in the half court for now while chemistry/skills builds.

4) Offensive Glass: Easy buckets and he always has a knack for O-Reb put backs.

I think we should be setting the floor for him this season at 18/8/8, then 20/8/9 next season assuming we can truly work on his game and chemistry with the team. Last thing we need to do is force/encourage him to shoot 3s. That feels like a total waste of his skills/strengths as a player.

Obviously his FT shooting is huge factor but we shouldn't make it a burden that he's not high % right away. We need to convince him to continue being aggressive even if he's missing at the line because everything else he provides balances it out. All he needs to do is work on it until he's not a liability which takes time. Again, I want to use Giannis as a blueprint who is quietly now at 72% FTs and clearly figured it out during last season playoffs.

Pretty much Dre role in GSW. I agree 18pts average should be minimal asking from him. 10 ast and at least 8 rb should be his normal.

Said in another thread that we should use Ben as point five during close outs. Roll man, playmaker etc, at his 6.10/11 size he's and ball handling ability, dude is mad versatile.

[MrDollarBills]

I don't think we should expect Ben to average 7 points a game like Draymond does. Ben is an explosive athlete. I think the fact that he can push the ball in transition off of rebounds and has the ability to get anywhere on the court off the dribble affords him a ton of scoring opps. He also can operate out of the block in the half court of he's matched against a smaller defender.

We will need him to do the dirty work and facilitate but the fact that we have multiple shooters + the attention KD and Kyrie draw defensively should give him a ton of easy points.

He just needs to overcome his issues at the line. I don't need him to hit 90%. Hell, I will gladly take 67%. Give me one out of two. Just don't be afraid to be fouled is all I ask and stay aggressive

[Tomjas]

Simmons is the highest risk/reward player in the NBA right now

IF his head is right, it’s a home run for the Nets

Just don’t use him to defend big 5s

He’s the best perimeter defender in the NBA and a massive difference maker

Be like trading for KD & using him as a catch & shoot guy in the corner

[Jay555]

I don't think we should expect Ben to average 7 points a game like Draymond does. Ben is an explosive athlete. I think the fact that he can push the ball in transition off of rebounds and has the ability to get anywhere on the court off the dribble affords him a ton of scoring opps. He also can operate out of the block in the half court of he's matched against a smaller defender.

We will need him to do the dirty work and facilitate but the fact that we have multiple shooters + the attention KD and Kyrie draw defensively should give him a ton of easy points.

He just needs to overcome his issues at the line. I don't need him to hit 90%. Hell, I will gladly take 67%. Give me one out of two. Just don't be afraid to be fouled is all I ask and stay aggressive

He's shot 60% his whole career except his last playoff series so could be just one off who knows.

[kio80]

Let’s go! Can’t wait to see the new lineup


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GTR11]

I don't think we should expect Ben to average 7 points a game like Draymond does. Ben is an explosive athlete. I think the fact that he can push the ball in transition off of rebounds and has the ability to get anywhere on the court off the dribble affords him a ton of scoring opps. He also can operate out of the block in the half court of he's matched against a smaller defender.

We will need him to do the dirty work and facilitate but the fact that we have multiple shooters + the attention KD and Kyrie draw defensively should give him a ton of easy points.

He just needs to overcome his issues at the line. I don't need him to hit 90%. Hell, I will gladly take 67%. Give me one out of two. Just don't be afraid to be fouled is all I ask and stay aggressive

He's shot 60% his whole career except his last playoff series so could be just one off who knows.

I followed philthy for some time now. You have to take into account several facts when you say stuff like that.
1. They never cared about developing players
2. Coaching was abysmal to say least. Hopefully we will fire Stave Trash this off-season and get Ben acclimated into our development system. Guy like JV or Walton can improve him and take his talents to another level.

I expect his numbers to bloom quickly.

[Born_Ready]

New day, new era has me excited for the future of the Nets organization.

One thing that doesn’t get mentioned enough regarding the mental issues with Simmons, is the players he had around him in Philly. Honestly, look at their locker room, where is the veteran leadership coming from? Embiid is a clown and acts like a child, Harris doesn’t seem like the outspoken type, Danny Green might have some leadership to him - due to his championships I guess, and Shake Milton (local kid that I coached against that I can’t say a bad word about) is very quiet, and doesn’t have the leader role in him. And, Doc Rivers. Enough said.

My point is getting Simmons in the Nets locker room around Kevin, Kyrie, Patty, LMA, Blake, Joe, and James Johnson who all have substance of leadership to them. That’s going to be HUGE for Ben who still at an age where he is vulnerable and subjective to his surroundings.

You see it on social media, you hear it on Podcast there is a lot of toxicity over in Philly. I’m not here to act like things are glamorous in BKN (based on the losing skid) but a key attribute that doesn’t get mentioned enough is the team has a high quality of veteran leadership and how it will be a key component to Simmons development over time.

Outside of the game of basketball, I’m excited to see his growth and development under the aforementioned players in the current locker room. I’m so ready for the Nets to get back to winning and having fun in the process.

[Murray_17]

I followed philthy for some time now. You have to take into account several facts when you say stuff like that.
1. They never cared about developing players
2. Coaching was abysmal to say least. Hopefully we will fire Stave Trash this off-season and get Ben acclimated into our development system. Guy like JV or Walton can improve him and take his talents to another level.

I expect his numbers to bloom quickly.

This isn't true at all?

After the first Boston series, all the players were given assignments to improve in the summer by Brett Brown and the Sixers staff. Ben and his camp rejected those task and informed the team they would do their own thing.

Team challenged Ben to improve and develop his weak points several times and always tried to acomodate to him , to the point we didn't resign players or fired coaches to keep him happy.

Your system and roster is better suited for Ben than ours, but i also hopes this experience makes Ben understand he really need to adress several things and improve on then, having people like Patty around him can make him understand this and i seriously hope he does.