The Nets have a talented roster headlined by Cameron Thomas and Mikal Bridges. That duo is superb at contributing to the offense with scoring and playmaking. There is a solid supporting cast behind them, as the Nets have talented names.
That includes superb players like Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton , but some people won’t like their fit alongside each other. According to ESPN’s Zach Lowe, Simmons and Clax are reliable defenders and good scorers within the paint, but their lack of shooting might be a problem for Brooklyn.
“You can't blame the Brooklyn Nets for trying after trades and injuries thinned their wing rotation, but it's time to close the book on Simmons and Claxton playing real minutes together. There is no space to operate with two total non-shooters clogging the paint,” Lowe wrote in his usual 10 Things I Like + Don’t Like article.
The duo can work
Contrary to what Lowe is saying, there is an argument for Ben and Nic playing at the same time. With the Aussie guard healthier, the chemistry between these two players could improve to the point where they work together well.
However, it will require self-accountability from all parties involved, especially Simmons. The former All-Star should do his best to keep improving his free-throw shooting because of his previous aversion to shooting from the charity stripe.
Simmons and Claxton will improve as a duo when the former is willing to attack the basket and shoot free throws better. That can also help the other Nets players get open looks because teams would be wary of the Simmons to Claxton lob.
Coach Vaughn must maximize his rotation
Lowe suggested in his piece that Coach Jacque Vaughn should do his best to limit the minutes the duo play together. It can be challenging to keep mixing up the rotation, but Vaughn has the talent in his roster to keep winning.
Pairing Dennis Schroder with Claxton can be the best option for a point guard and center dynamic. Simmons would love to play in a small-ball lineup where he’s a ball handler and guards the big men on defense.
There are plenty of possibilities with Coach Vaughn’s rotation, but it’s safe to say he has a talented squad. He must maximize the team’s talent because Brooklyn can surprise other Eastern Conference teams in the Playoff race.
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