3 Brooklyn Nets poised for breakout campaigns this season
By Zak Musso
2. Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons is back. The ex-All-Star will look like his usual self this season, dominating on the defensive end while dishing out dimes and dunks on the offensive end. Simmons had the worst year of his career a season ago, averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game.
He looks like a different guy this offseason. He looks healthy and, most importantly, comfortable. He may have even added a three-point shot.
Ben Simmons draining threes. 🔥🔥
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 10, 2023
(via @swishcultures_)
pic.twitter.com/HT66MdRp8Z
For his career, Simmons is averaging 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game with a 56% field goal percentage. Simmons is an elite floor general and one of basketball’s five best two-way point guards when he plays to his abilities.
This preseason, peak Simmons has returned, and it’s had a significant positive effect on the Nets offense.
In two preseason games, the Brooklyn Nets average 39.6 3PTA per 100 possessions — they were at 34.2 threes attempted per 100 last year.
— Hoops Don (@99thBasketball) October 13, 2023
98.7 pace last season — currently at 106.5.
The Ben Simmons’ Run-And-Gun Nets have arrived. pic.twitter.com/0C8Pq9STO2
Simmons is primed to bounce back. If he plays up to his abilities, the Nets ceiling infinitely increases and could be as high as a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference.