Steve Nash downplays Ben Simmons’ lackluster debut

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) talks with Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash. Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Nets HC Steve Nash on Ben Simmons’ lackluster debut: ‘I just think he’s rusty’

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Oct 20, 2022 8:04 PM ET

After missing the 2021-2022 season, Ben Simmons returned to the court on Wednesday, debuting for the Brooklyn Nets in a 130-108 season-opening loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

In his first live NBA game action since June 2021, Simmons understandably struggled. The 26-year-old recorded four points, five rebounds, and five assists in 23 minutes before fouling out of the game.

"I just think he's rusty," Nets' head coach Steve Nash told reporters after the game. "The guy hasn't played for over a year."

"I just think he's rusty"

Steve Nash on what he saw from Ben Simmons tonight: pic.twitter.com/AZZ3kPyZW2
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) October 20, 2022

Simmons revealed he was "cramping up a bit" at halftime on Wednesday night and attributed his lackluster stat line to being "too excited."

Whether it was rust or excitement that led to Simmons' dud in the opener, Nash and the Nets seem committed to getting Simmons back to playing at an All-Star level.

"It's all there for him," Nash said. "You see those glimpses throughout the preseason, but now putting it together, really getting his legs under him, his rhythm, and then assimilating to a new group. There's a lot on his plate.

"As long as he continues to build confidence, play hard, play with force, we're fine with him making mistakes as he grows into this."

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb

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