Published 11/16/2022, 12:23 AM EST
After a turbulent start, the Brooklyn Nets seem to have found some moderately smooth terrain. Having won four of their last six games, the Nets have been playing the court better. However, reports state that some issues continue to persist. One is the team’s balance, a problem that could be solved after the return of Kyrie Irving from suspension. The other is the woes of their star player Ben Simmons, who is currently playing off the bench. Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal expressed his concern for Ben Simmons and the Nets on ‘Inside the NBA’.
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While the Brooklyn Nets bank on the expertise of Kevin Durant, they are on the brink of hope that Ben Simmons will find his touch. However, Simmons’ issue with his knee seems to be hampering this process. Simmons missed around six games due to this injury. Since then, he has been on a minutes restriction and has been coming off the bench recently. Shaq had a stern comment about this situation. He said, “It’s a shame.”
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Shaquille O’Neal on Ben Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets
On ‘Inside the NBA’, Shaquille O’Neal expressed his concern about Simmons and the Nets. After having watched Ben Simmons, Shaq believed that there is “a glitch” in his gameplay. He asked Simmons not to worry about missing shots or missing free throws. Rather he had some simple advice for Simmons. He said, “Go back to being aggressive.”
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The Big Aristotle even stated that it was a shame to have someone like Ben Simmons not in the starting five. Kenny Smith stated that there is a “mechanism” to get a player back into an aggressive mindset. For Smith, the mechanism deals with giving the player more responsibility and encouragement.
He was certain that making Simmons a bench player isn’t the way to go. Fellow hosts agreed that bringing Simmons off the bench was not helping him, rather it is adding to his pre-existing woes.
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Nov 15, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) dribbles the ball next to Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) in the second quarter at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Charles Barkley believes that Simmons looks scared now. The Australian has had a tough couple of years in the NBA. After having missed the previous season, he is trying to condition himself on the court. However, his injuries don’t seem to be helping him.
This season, he has spent an average of 27.2 minutes on the court per game with an average of 5.2 points per game. His current stats don’t mirror the All-Star quality he undoubtedly possesses. But with more playing time, his fortunes could turn. Until then, fans hope and pray that he finds his rhythm soon for the Brooklyn Nets.
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Are the Brooklyn Nets doing right by Simmons? SHould he continue coming off the bench? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.