” When you see him on the pitch, jersey on his back, you say to yourself that he looks good, that he is in great shape. And he will be at times, but at others, you have to understand that he’s been through a lot. Listening to Steve Nash, difficult to know where to place the cursor after the first two releases of Ben Simmons with the Nets.
The former Sixer, who had not played since the 2021 playoffs, accumulated 44 minutes of play, for 10 points scored, 14 rebounds, 9 assists and 8 lost balls. Without always forgetting any intention to deviate from the circle.
“ He has not played for a long time, he is coming out of a back operation. This induces periods of indecision (in the game) which will be unlocked by playing. This is the case for each of us. You can’t spend so much time away from the pitch, join a new group and figure it all out on day one, so he needs time », supports his coachwho unsurprisingly advocates patience with his recruit.
“ We’ll be patient with Ben because he’s a unique and incredibly talented player, but he won’t be at his best in the short term. He must continue to work hard during this period of return to play and regain his confidence, timing and rhythm. “, enumerates the technician.
Kevin Durant is not going to ‘babysit’
Kevin Durant seems to agree. According to him, it is necessary to chain the matches, to repeat the scales for ” build that trust “. ” He knows that we all trust him, but he needs more opportunities to play. You can train, play pick-up as much as you want, it has nothing to do with NBA games “, judge” KD “.
But this confidence must translate into what has sometimes been lacking in the Australian’s game in Philadelphia: aggressiveness. On this subject, Kevin Durant is clear: You have to pass the ball to him when he is open, tell him to be aggressive. I don’t overdo it. I’m not here to babysit. Ben knows that if he has space to be aggressive, he has to be. Who cares if it fits in or not. We just like you to be aggressive. »
According to the team superstar, this issue of aggression occupies a lot of internal conversations, from Kyrie Irving to Cam Thomas. He is thus convinced that if Ben Simmons displays the same state of mind as the scorers in place, it will be positive for the Nets. ” But I don’t have to tell him every day, he knows what’s going on. »
” He must be aggressive. The creation of the game starts there. If you’re not aggressive, the game becomes difficult, if you try to put pressure on the circle, it becomes easy. He must therefore regain his momentum, his athletic qualities, his ability to physically dominate others. It’s an essential part of his game. “, continues Steve Nash, reaffirming his desire to support him, “ to be there for him. We all think it will have a huge impact, you just have to give it time. We hope it will come quickly, but if it doesn’t, we have to work, stay patient and give him confidence, because it’s not easy. I will never repeat it enough. »
