One of the biggest storylines following the Brooklyn Nets during the 2024-25 season is the play and development of seventh-year forward Ben Simmons. Simmons' prior woes prevented him from playing up to his potential during his first two seasons with the Nets, but the downward trend of his performances has not improved.
Simmons used to be one of the most coveted two-way players in the NBA. It did not take long for him to settle into a team-leading role on the Philadelphia 76ers. In just his second season, Simmons averaged a career-high 16.9 points and 8.8 rebounds along with 1.4 steals per game. His efforts earned him his first All-Star Game appearance, an honor he would amass two more times with the Sixers.
Simmons also totaled two All-Defensive Team honors and one All-NBA Third Team selection. However, since his 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinal hiccup against the Atlanta Hawks, the talented forward has not been the same.
The Nets acquired Simmons in a trade centered around James Harden in February of 2022, which gave fans in the borough unbridled excitement. Yet, injuries have gotten in the way of Simmons' revitalization. Moreover, two other problems are hampering his 2024-25 ascent.
Offensive assertiveness and fouls might be Ben Simmons' downfall
Through his first four games of the 2024-25 season, Simmons averages 5.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 24 minutes per game. The key stat to look out for though is shot attempts.
Simmons has attempted a career-low 4.3 field goals per game early in the season. His attempts have trended downward nearly every year he has been in the league, but his Nets' marks are strikingly low.
Jordi Fernandez challenged Simmons to get his shot attempts up between 10 and 15 per game after the forward attempted just five against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 25. Fernandez told the media that Simmons increasing his offense assertiveness would only help the Nets be better. But Simmons has not increased his numbers yet.
Moreover, Simmons has developed a habit of picking up too many fouls early, such as this one against the Memphis Grizzlies on Oct. 30:
Ben Simmons has been in foul trouble every game this year. Then he does this to pick up his 2nd less than 5 minutes into this game.
— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) October 31, 2024
Really just an inexplicable decision.
The Nets are already down Nic Claxton and Day'Ron Sharpe tonight. There's just no situational awareness. pic.twitter.com/BtPF5cyGcS
Simmons must be smarter on defense, especially during the times when the Nets' are short on big men. Nic Claxton and Da'Ryon Sharpe were both out against the Grizzlies nursing injuries and resting.
If Simmons does not improve, Jordi Fernandez might take him out of the starting lineup. There are plenty of other forwards who would take advantage of Simmons' minutes. Things are challenging for the former star forward, but he has what it takes to clean things up and be the player everyone knows he can be.