At the start of the season, there were low expectations for the Brooklyn Nets. However, their aggressive play over ten games is proving they are serious about winning and aiming for the playoffs. The team now owns a 4-6 record with some hard-fought losses. Additionally, they are entering the week with news that the team is requiring guard Ben Simmons to earn a starting spot.
Nets Requiring Ben Simmons To Earn A Starting Spot
Nets are Taking Simmons’ Health Seriously
For the first time this season when he has played, Simmons was not with the starters during Friday’s game against the Boston Celtics. He came off the bench, playing for twenty-seven minutes and recorded eight points, six rebounds, eight assists, and one steal.
When he played for the 76ers, Simmons started every game until he was traded in 2022. In his 64 games with the Nets, he has come off the bench 13 times. On Saturday, he was ruled out due to lower back injury management. The Nets are prioritizing his health this season. He will not play back-to-back games because of his injury history.
Simmons Battling For A Starting Spot
According to Brian Lewis of the New York Post, Simmons will be battling for a starting spot until further notice. Head coach Jordi Fernandez addressed Simmons not starting.
“The reason [he sat] was with the minutes [restriction] that he has … and not being able to play back-to-backs right now. This way we don’t have to switch the starting lineups all the time; that affects the rest of the group,” Fernandez said.
Simmons seems to have put what is best for the Nets ahead of what is best for him. Responding to Fernandez’s comments about the selection of the starting lineup, Simmons said,
“For the flow of the team, whatever the team needs me to do in terms of whether it’s coming off the bench or starting, I’ve got to do. So, that’s what coach wants right now. It is what it is.”
Does Simmons Have A Future With the Nets?
This season, Simmons and Nets center Nic Claxton have only shared the court for ten minutes. There is speculation that Simmons may not be included in the Nets’ future, especially with him coming off the bench and questions about his back.
Simmons is earning $40.3 million this season. If he remains with the Nets, he could join a recent trend of stars who have previously earned $30 million to $40 million a season being moved to bench roles. This list includes Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, and most recently D’Angelo Russell.
Simmons’ Trade Value
Simmons’ trade value is currently low due to his years of missing games and being injured. If the Nets want Simmons gone, he likely would have to agree to a buyout. This is doubtful as he would likely want the remainder of his contract. If he does not remain with the Nets, it is questionable that another team would be willing to take a risk on him.
While there is concern about Simmons, fans seem pleased with the overall rebuilding of the team. Recent rumors of the Nets being linked to pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks give hope to another superstar player. However, for Simmons, his focus is to remain healthy and earn a starting spot.
