Brooklyn Nets HC Jacques Vaughn to take compassionate approach with Ben Simmons
Ben Simmons is only 27 years old. The Australian native is only just entering his prime years. Yet, because of his struggles in recent seasons, the narrative surrounding him is of a player in decline. When at his best, Simmons is an NBA All-Defensive Team talent. He's also a top-three playmaker and passer in the NBA.
Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacques Vaughn has the difficult job of trying to get the best out of Simmons. The veteran ball-handler has the ability to alter the trajectory of the Nets season. However, Simmons hasn't played competitive basketball in over seven months. Vaughan shared his approach to the guard during a recent appearance on Sirius XM NBA Radio.
"That's the challenge," Vaughn said. "At the end of the day, Ben hasn't played a real game in seven months. So, you're encouraging him to use some of the muscle memory that he's had and just making plays and being instinctive. Playing with pace. Things that come naturally to him. But also challenging him to lead our group if he's going to have the basketball in his hands."
Brooklyn has an array of two-way wing talents. They also have an impressive young rim-runner in Nic Claxton. Simmons will be given the keys to the offense. The Nets will hope their veteran ball-handler can generate high-level offense for his teammates. Simmons has proven capable of punishing NBA defenses on drive-and-kick actions and providing exceptional rim pressure as a dribble-drive threat. Yet, we haven't seen that from Simmons since the 2020-21 season.
The Nets are not a championship-contending team. If Simmons struggles, they will likely miss out on the play-in tournament. If he plays to his full potential, Brooklyn could make the postseason. He will have a significant impact on how far the Nets can go in the coming months.
Simmons needs a bounce-back year. The Nets need their star player to rediscover what made him a force in the NBA. With both sides looking to benefit from a big season, Simmons has every reason to lock in and re-announce himself on the NBA stage. At 27, Simmons is too young to flame out of the league. Vaughan will be hoping his compassionate leadership style can get his star ball-handler back to an All-NBA level.
Only time will tell if he's right.
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