Nets receive encouraging performance from Ben Simmons in first preseason game

Is there still hope Ben Simmons can turn around his career? 

One preseason game is hardly enough of a sample size to judge. For hardcore Simmons watchers, however, his showing in Brooklyn's game Monday against the Lakers was encouraging.

In 14 minutes, Simmons tallied 10 points, three assists, a rebound and a steal. More importantly, he made it to the free-throw line four times. Simmons, a career 59.1% shooter from the free-throw line, made two of the attempts.

The most free-throw attempts Simmons had in a game last season was six. Over his last seven games last season, he took four free-throw attempts. The fact that it took Simmons 14 minutes to do something it took him seven games to do last season should be encouraging for the Nets.

Free-throw attempts were not the only encouraging sign for Simmons in the preseason opener.

Sam Quinn of CBS described Simmons' game as "some of his most aggressive basketball in a Nets uniform." He wrote that Simmons has seemingly "regained his athleticism and confidence."

In the video below, Simmons makes an aggressive play at the basket and goes through two Lakers defenders to score.