23 seconds. That was all it took for the very contentious point guard to foul out in what ended up being a rather underwhelming Brooklyn Nets debut. In his debut game for his new team, Simmons was unable to have a meaningful impact, which contributed to Brooklyn’s lopsided loss to the New Orleans Pelicans in their season opener.
But Steve Nash, the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, was quick to defend his star player. Everyone was reminded by Brooklyn’s shot-caller that this was Simmons’ first game back following a year-long injury layoff and that it would take some time for him to regain his previous level of speed:
“I just think he’s rusty,” Nash said. “The guy hasn’t played for over a year. … He’s shown obviously glimpses of the player we know he is and can be. But it’s not easy. We’re here to support him. We’re here to push him. Coach him up and try to get him to a place where he can play at the level he’s played at in the past.”
Simmons will undoubtedly value Steve Nash’s love and support, which are all that was said. He’s not the most popular player in the NBA right now, and we all know that every mistake he makes will be scrutinised. Just hearing that his coach has his back is wonderful, and properly so.
Simmons did manage four points, five rebounds, and five assists in his brief appearance. Ben Simmons’ debut wasn’t exactly catastrophic, and as coach Nash noted, his potential is crystal evident.
“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.”
“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
Whatever the situation, Ben Simmons will want to make a better impression when the Nets face the Toronto Raptors on Thursday.
After a dismal Nets debut, Steve Nash jumps to Ben Simmons’ defence. This entry was first published on ClutchPoints.
