Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics: 3 big questions and a prediction
By Zach Wolpin
Could Ben Simmons’ possible return be what Brooklyn needs to separate themselves from the rest?
Ben Simmons just continues to be an ongoing mystery for Nets fans. He did not play in any regular-season games this year for Philly or for Brooklyn. News has just recently dropped saying that Simmons is looking to make his season debut somewhere between Games 4-6 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoffs.
As much as Brooklyn tried to make the situation with James Harden last, it benefits them more if they don’t have him. Harden, Irving, and Durant are all ball-dominant players. The trade for Ben Simmons was exactly what the Nets needed.
Brooklyn finished the season with the 20th best defense in the league, something that has been an issue for them when facing playoff-caliber teams. Simmons makes his biggest impact on the defensive side of the ball. He was the 2019-20 steals champ and had made All-Defensive first team two times in his career. Additionally, he’s a three-time All-Star and won 2017-18 Rookie of the Year.
I really think Ben Simmons could flourish on the Nets. Brooklyn already has so many offensive weapons. What they really need is Ben Simmons, who can go out night after night and guard the other team’s best offensive player.