Nets guard Ben Simmons is taking part in 5-on-5 workouts without any restrictions and is expected to be a full participant in training camp, head coach Jacque Vaughn and general manager Sean Marks said on Tuesday, per Tim Bontemps of ESPN.
“Pretty simple that way which is good for me to say, and I think that fits into an exciting time for me to have this group together,” Vaughn said. “No restrictions at the beginning of the year — get to form an identity together, get to form some relationships at the beginning of the year, a style of play, so really looking forward to the challenge and getting to training camp because of that.”
In addition to discussing Simmons’ health, Vaughn confirmed something the former No. 1 overall pick said last month, telling reporters that the relationship between the two men is in a better place now than it was last season. As Bontemps details, Vaughn also agreed with Simmons’ assessment that he’s a point guard, though the head coach did offer a caveat.
“I would use the word ‘agreement’ more so than ‘commitment,'” Vaughn said when he was asked if he’s committed to playing Simmons at the point this season. “The agreement is if he’s playing at a consistent and high level, then I think our pictures look exactly the same. I think you can kind of put it in that category.”
Asked if Simmons is competing with Spencer Dinwiddie for minutes at point guard, Vaughn said the two guards will share the floor at times, with Dennis Smith Jr. also in the mix for a regular backcourt role, tweets Ian Begley of SNY.tv.
Here’s more on the Nets:
- There’s no specific timeline for the return of first-round pick Dariq Whitehead, who underwent foot surgery in the spring, but the Nets certainly don’t expect him to miss his entire rookie season, per Adam Zagoria of NJ.com. “We’re definitely not going to rush him,” Marks said. “We love the grit and determination. I wouldn’t put a timeline on when he’ll be back but he will definitely be playing this year.”
- While Vaughn still expects to use smaller lineups frequently in 2023/24, he wants to give Day’Ron Sharpe an opportunity to earn a role since he’s one of the team’s best rebounders, according to Brian Lewis of The New York Post (Twitter links). The head coach also said that he expects Simmons and center Nic Claxton to share the floor quite a bit, despite the spacing issues it created last season.
- For the first time since 2018, the Nets won’t have any superstar players on their roster entering training camp. That doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t be open to pursuing a star in the next year or two if the right opportunity arises, but it also doesn’t sound like they feel compelled to do so. “(Team owner) Joe Tsai, myself and (Vaughn) have talked openly about how this team will look in the upcoming years and when’s the right time to go back in,” Marks said, according to Bontemps. “Whether it’s facilitating another deal, whether it’s acquiring more players, whether it’s seeing what these young guys on our team right now can develop, and that’s an exciting piece too that we’re forgetting to mention. We’re certainly not in any hurry, but at the end of the day, we’re going to do our due diligence like we always have over the course of the last six years.”
- Over at his Substack, Steve Lichtenstein explores why forward Trendon Watford has the potential to be a solid developmental piece for Brooklyn. Watford is on a non-guaranteed contract with the Nets.
“For the first time since 2018, the Nets won’t have any superstar players on their roster entering training camp.” Technically Simmons is a superstar. He’s always been overrated and has suffered from various ailments the last couple seasons but he has made All-NBA team, is 2x All-Defense and he’s a three time All-Star. By most accounts that does qualify as an superstar.
With your logic then Russell Westbrook is still a superstar…
the difference is Westbrook is clearly past his prime while Simmons is still 27. especially given his health issues last season, it’s fair to say Ben could get back to his prior level this year.
Prime isn’t about age(ask D rose).
Westbrook is still a superstar. Being a superstar is more than on court production. It’s also popularity and I guarantee that Westbrook is still one of the most popular basketball players on the planet.
With that logic Jordan is still a superstar and he hasn’t played in 2 decades. Westbrook is more of a legend past his prime but still playing. Ben Simmons never was and never will be a superstar. Those awards are about as valuable as the rewards Carson Wentz got. Both are massively overrated Philly players that the city is happy they moved on from.
I noted that I thought Simmons has always been overrated in my post. As for the awards, well you can’t take them away. Simmons has been an overrated superstar since the day the 76ers picked him. Obviously Jordan is a superstar.
That was a bad pick cause he’s the best in history, but Carson Wentz at least helped Philly win a championship while Simmons is an embarrassment.
Legend ? Lol Westbrook? Wow you throw that word around loosely. Westbrook is a legend in his own mind. Simmons and wentz were both players who couldn’t handle philly pressure,nothing to do with talent.
Westbrook is 100% a legend are you kidding? @hardensbeard you obviously just started following basketball last year… thats crazy westbrook not a legend, crazy
He is who made the triple double a relevant stat for the 1st time in decades and has more than anyone ever.
False!
Your forget wilt the stilt. He would have had more three triple and quadruple if you counted stats in full when he played.
He played over 50 years ago and it wasn’t counted as a statistic back then. Plus he was a 7′ center so rebounding, blocking, and inside scoring were easier for him. I view him as a mount Rushmore center but think there should be one for every position in basketball.
Negating Westbrook’s status así a legend, Is a comment worthy of someone who started followimg basketball today, Bro.
If you don’t think Jordan is still a superstar then you are the one with broken logic.
What qualifies as a “superstar” is pretty subjective. I think it’s a pretty select group and I would never have had Simmons in it. It’s certainly fair to say he was once a star and could be again, but I think to be a “superstar,” you have to be the kind of player who’s frequently in the conversation for first or second All-NBA teams and who earns MVP votes.
Luke, I’m not being flippant but I’m honestly curious as to what your take on Kyrie Irving would be? He’s three time all NBA but unlike Simmons who also has been ALL-NBA has never received an MVP vote.
Referring to Kyrie as a superstar feels much more defensible to me, since:
1. His longevity at that level is more impressive (8x All-Star).
2. He’s won a title as a top-two player on a team.
3. He’s an elite offensive player (at his best, Simmons was more effective offensively than he’s given credit for, but his limitations as a scorer are a major knock against him when considering the “superstar” label).
4. If not for his durability issues and some of the off-court stuff, I think his career resume would be even more impressive.
Still, when considering former Nets, I wouldn’t put him at the same level as Durant or even prime Harden, who are/were no-doubt superstars.
But as I said, this is all pretty subjective.
Whitehead was a steal. Definitely let him heal and take his time. I believe he was one of youngest in draft.
Simmons is not a PG. Will never be a PG.
Closest thing to a Star on Brooklyn currently is Bridges, not Simmons.
Though I have never been a Simmons fan, I like a redemption story. I hope the kid has figured it out both Mentally and Physically.