Ben Simmons has returned, but is he BACK?

A couple weeks into the 2023-24 NBA season, we’ve seen glimpses of the two-way force Simmons once was, but they’ve been offset by a head-scratching hesitation that could hamstring the Brooklyn Nets

Ben Simmons has made a captivating return to the court, sparking excitement in the basketball world with his dynamic presence – dominating the boards, orchestrating seamless transitions, and displaying finesse in his assists. Despite battling injuries, public scrutiny, and mental health challenges, Simmons is back in the spotlight. However, the question remains – is his return merely hyped, or has it proven genuinely impactful?

In the theater of NBA aspirations, Simmons was once hailed as a cornerstone in the controversial saga known as "The Process." Standing at 6-foot-10 with the grace of a point guard, he was envisioned as a defensive juggernaut capable of locking down positions 1 through 5. Now, Simmons is fighting to reclaim All-Star status, an achievement he hasn't secured since 2021.

In the opening part of the season, Simmons, with a $40 million contract, delivered a subdued stat line of 7 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists per game over the initial six matchups. Notably, his offensive aggression is puzzlingly scarce, attempting just six shots per game, even in the absence of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Simmons boasts the lowest usage rate of his career – a mere 15.6%, aligning him with lesser-known players like Kyle Anderson and Dyson Daniels. A paradox surfaces in his role as a "point guard" with a 22.1% turnover rate, questioning the positive tradeoff in this enigmatic equation on the court.

As the season unfolds, there's a glimmer of optimism as Simmons contributes to the Nets' transition frequency, elevating them to the 98th percentile. However, a hint of timidity surfaces in these scenarios, raising concerns about potential playoff challenges where astute teams may exploit these patterns. This observation serves as a precursor to the next section, delving into how these transitional intricacies blend into halfcourt dynamics, questioning their impact on the Nets' offense over 82 games.

In this season's early chapters, optimism emerges for those viewing the glass as half full. Surrounded by sharpshooters, Simmons theoretically benefits. Notably, his play improves without Claxton, adding nuance to the evolving story. However, the question of production levels challenges easy justification. As we traverse this phase, hope persists that Simmons's aggression rises, transforming the season into a compelling portrait of improvement.

Simmons creates a significant uptick in the Nets' transition frequency, vaulting them into the 98th percentile. This proves pivotal for both him and the team, showcasing his passing abilities and initiating early dribble handoffs for open looks. Yet, a hint of timidity surfaces in transition scenarios. Despite his prowess, there are instances where Simmons prematurely halts his dribble. While not statistically damaging in the regular season, a discerning eye anticipates potential playoff challenges. This observation serves as a precursor to the next section, where these transitional intricacies blend into half-court dynamics, raising questions about their impact on the Nets' offense over 82 games.

To lead an NBA offense effectively, creating advantages is paramount. Giannis exemplifies this, compensating for shooting deficiencies by attacking downhill. However, Simmons's reluctance to draw fouls, evident in his meager four free throw attempts in six games, poses a challenge. This lack of ability and aggression contributes to the Nets ranking in the 49th percentile in Half Court offense with him on the floor and 69th without. On a positive note, glimpses of improvement, particularly in off-ball cutting and explosive athleticism, offer potential for increased utilization as the season progresses.

Defensively, Simmons still showcases his versatility by guarding multiple positions effectively. However, his utilization is hindered by a coaching strategy that often has him guarding low-usage specialists off the ball. The heavy switching scheme on the perimeter doesn't maximize Simmons's defensive talents. To optimize his skills, he should guard the best player, run hedges, blitzes, and employ defensive tactics to disrupt opponents, creating opportunities for more transition play.

This marks a new journey with a healthy Ben. While he possesses unique abilities, the question of whether it's worth the price of admission remains unanswered. The season's progression will unveil the true impact of Simmons's return.