Adam Armbrecht here, the host of the daily Locked On Nets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Can The Brooklyn Nets and Ben Simmons Co-Exist After The Trade Deadline?
Dec 4, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) brings the ball up court against the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner/Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Brooklyn Nets are in a whirlwind of trade rumors, but one name that seems to be staying put is Ben Simmons. Despite the buzz around potential trades, Simmons remains a focal point of discussion, not for his on-court prowess, but for his evolving role within the team.
As the season progresses, Simmons has seen his minutes dwindle, moving to the bench as Nicolas Claxton reclaims his starting position. This shift has sparked conversations about Simmons’ future with the Nets and his overall trajectory in the NBA.
Simmons’ recent performances have been a mixed bag. While his passing remains elite, his reluctance to shoot is glaring. Over the last three games, Simmons has taken just four shots in 51 minutes, a statistic that underscores his diminishing offensive role.
This hesitancy to shoot, coupled with his low free-throw attempts, highlights a significant issue for the Nets. Despite being a facilitator, Simmons’ inability to contribute offensively in crucial moments limits his effectiveness on the court.
Jordi Fernandez has been vocal about his expectations for Simmons. Fernandez has emphasized the need for Simmons to be more aggressive offensively, a sentiment echoed by many fans and analysts.
However, with Claxton’s return and the emergence of other front-court players, Simmons’ role continues to shrink. The Nets’ strategy seems clear: if Simmons doesn’t adapt, his minutes will likely decrease further.
Recently rumors surfaced of the Boston Celtics being an interested party in the services of Ben Simmons. Financial constraints make a trade with teams like Boston nearly impossible.
A buyout is an interesting angle, but that would require Simmons to accept a buyout from the Nets without the safety of a known landing spot. As should always be accounted for - money tells a lot of the story.
The fact that Ben Simmons is struggling to keep minutes on a Brooklyn Nets roster could also be a concerning sign. The Nets have used veteran talent to remain competitive through 24 games, and yet Simmons has slid to the bench.
The Nets are not burdened by the weight of reaching the playoffs this season, and yet Ben Simmons is unable or unwilling to meet the expectations of the coaching staff.
Are playoff teams, at any price point, going to add a non-shooting facilitator with minimal late-game function eagerly? In small bursts and in defensive moments perhaps teams squint and see it. However, adding Ben Simmons will not come without financial commitment based on NBA time served and at the cost of a roster spot.
Simmons’ future in the NBA is uncertain. As his contract winds down, the possibility of him stepping away from basketball for a year, focusing on the potential National team, or re-setting his NBA career. However, the question remains: can Simmons reinvent himself and find a role that suits his current abilities?
A common refrain about Spike Lee movies is that the city of New York feels like a living, breathing character. It has a presence in his films beyond that of a typical urban backdrop. It has dialogue; it impacts events.
Well, the Knicks crowd, amplified by the presence of Gotham villain Trae Young, felt three-dimensional in this NBA Cup quarterfinal, moaning, groaning, and cheering every time the ball ricocheted off a body part or players tumbled to the ground. It felt like it could change the events on the court, albeit with little control, like a player tilting a pinball machine. Even from my couch, I could feel the energy pulsing from the screen.
The atmosphere was electric; the quality of play was suspect. I’m not sure I’d let my loved ones watch, but for a specific breed of basketball fan (like the one who subscribes to this newsletter), it was gloriously grimy.
It was a miracle either of these teams hit triple-digits. The ball spent more time squirting out of rugby scrum-style dog piles than it did going through nets. The Knicks posted their lowest offensive rating of the season; the Hawks’ two best players, Jalen Johnson and Trae Young, combined for 43 points on 42 shots. Atlanta started the game 1-for-10 from deep, while New York had a stretch where they missed 12 straight triples.
In the end, however, it was Trae Young rolling phantom dice on the Knicks’ logo to celebrate going to Vegas.
The Hawks defense might be legit. Young is an easy target, but he also suckers teams into getting out of their offense to try and attack him, leaving them vulnerable to the swarm of kinetic, lengthy athletes that are standing by to help at a moment’s notice. Dyson Daniels chewed Jalen Brunson up (14 points on 15 shots), using a toothpick to get every last morsel.
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Rumor What is the league doing to address referee gambling concerns, and how effective can safeguards be? (Front Office Sports)
Rumor Jimmy Butler has reportedly made Brooklyn his top choice in free agency, but it’s unclear if the Nets share the interest. This potential move could significantly impact the team’s future. (NetsDaily)
Personnel Brooklyn Nets have added Jordi Fernandez to the coaching staff, along with new players Keon Johnson and Frank DiGraci, signaling a strategic shift in their approach. (NetsDaily)
Monday, Dec. 16 | 7:30PM | Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY | Get Tickets
Nets @ Raptors
Thursday, Dec. 19 | 7:30PM | Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, ON | Get Tickets
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
A Kawhi Leonard Update & A Fantasy Basketball News Catchup
Nov 20, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on from the bench in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images | Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Kawhi Leonard’s Uncertain Return
Kawhi Leonard’s return remains a topic of speculation. Recent reports suggest that his comeback isn’t imminent, leaving fantasy managers in a bind. If you’re holding onto Leonard, patience is key, but be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait.
Jimmy Butler Trade Rumours
The rumour mill is buzzing with talk of a potential Jimmy Butler trade. While speculation is rife, it’s essential to remember that these rumours often don’t materialise. The complexities of NBA trades, including salary cap constraints and team dynamics, make it challenging to predict outcomes. Instead of getting caught up in the hype, focus on the players currently delivering consistent performances. If Butler does get traded, assess the situation then, but for now, it’s best to concentrate on tangible fantasy assets.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Fantasy Basketball Podcast:
- The impact of Mitchell Robinson’s injury on the Knicks’ rotation - Evaluating Max Strus’s fantasy value upon his return - Donovan Clingan’s potential role with the team - The latest on Fred VanVleet’s shooting struggles and assist numbers - A look at the upcoming matchups and their fantasy implications
Stay ahead of the game by keeping these insights in mind as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of NBA fantasy basketball.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nets podcasts.
Does Dennis Schroder have trade value? He’s been good, but where is a good fit? Dennis Schroder is coming off an amazing game against the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 34 points and 11 assists. He’s been one of, if not the, best Brooklyn Nets player this season.
Cam Johnson trade destinations. Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and more
It sure seems like Sean Marks and the Nets will trade Cam Johnson this season, and there’s a possibility the list of suitors is even longer than originally thought.
Brooklyn Nets beat Pacers, Cam Johnson and company continue to win
The Nets beat the Pacers 99-90 on Wednesday evening, improving to 10-13 on the season, more than halfway to their projected win total through just 23 games
