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NEW YORK — Coach Steve Nash says he would not care if Ben Simmons “ever shoots a soar shot” for the Brooklyn Nets due to the flexibility and distinctive talent set that he brings to the workforce.
“Very distinctive,” Nash stated of Simmons after the second full observe of coaching camp on Wednesday. “That is what makes Ben nice. That is why I do not care if he ever shoots a soar shot for the Brooklyn Nets. He is welcome to, however that isn’t what makes him particular and never what we want. He is an excellent complement to our workforce, and he is an unbelievable basketball participant due to his versatility.”
Simmons, who struggled to seek out consistency in his soar shot all through his time with the Philadelphia 76ers, is making an attempt to remain centered on a contemporary starting after lacking all of final season whereas ready for a commerce out of Philadelphia after which coping with rehab from again surgical procedure in addition to ongoing psychological well being points.
Simmons stated he felt “wonderful” after the workforce’s second official observe.
“I am getting used to the up-and-down play,” Simmons stated. “I really feel nice. It is good to be out right here with these guys.”
Nash and Simmons are significantly enthusiastic about his anticipated match with fellow Nets stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
“I believe they’re going to have a sure factor of cohesion out of the gates,” Nash stated of the trio. “As a result of they’re all actually good basketball gamers, however hopefully it is one thing that evolves. They usually can proceed to seek out methods to make one another higher. I believe that is the sweetness, that they really match very well collectively, however it could take time.
“However out of the gates, they’re nonetheless three nice basketball gamers who I believe are excited to play collectively and can make issues occur instantly. However let’s hope that there is a fixed development as properly.”
Simmons stated they only want some extra time to be taught one another’s respective video games.
“You are enjoying with some nice NBA gamers, a number of the best,” Simmons stated of Durant and Irving. “So, for me, it is simply enjoying alongside them, determining the place they need their photographs, how they transfer, totally different spots on the ground the place I must be. It is simply timing.”
As Nash figures out how he desires to arrange his rotation, the coach reiterated that he can be snug utilizing Simmons in a middle function when the matchup requires it.
“If he is the ‘lone large,’ that is a job we might undoubtedly play him at,” Nash stated. “However he is additionally our playmaker and level guard.”
It is a place and a job that Simmons is not shying away from heading into the Nets’ preseason opener at residence towards the Sixers on Monday.
“I am trying ahead to it,” Simmons stated. “I will play wherever the workforce wants me to play, no matter helps. I can guard 1 to five, play 1 to five. I believe it is simply a type of issues the place we now have so many alternative skills on this workforce, you possibly can put me wherever to assist get factors, get stops, no matter it’s. … I like enjoying the 5, I do not thoughts.”
In different information, Nash stated the hope is that guard Seth Curry, who continues to recuperate from a lingering ankle harm, will be capable of play within the Nets’ remaining preseason sport towards the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 14. Veteran swingman T.J. Warren additionally won’t be prepared to begin the season as he continues to recuperate from a foot harm that has saved him out for a lot of the previous two seasons.
“I believe we’ll assess once more in November, however he is doing nice,” Nash stated. “He is build up. We knew this stepping into. And we additionally do not wish to take large dangers with T.J. as a result of he is been out for 2 years. So it is a course of that we wish to be very assured in and make a agency group to not rush him.”
The excellent news for Nash and the Nets is that after ready since February for Simmons to be up and working once more, he seems to be in good spirits each bodily and mentally.
“I believe Ben’s simply an unbelievable playmaker,” Nash stated. “Dimension, pace, capability, unselfishness, he is at all times seeking to get guys open. He is an excellent screener. He [has] terrific imaginative and prescient. Along with his measurement and pace, he is capable of push the ball in transition and in addition get into gaps, so an excellent match for Kevin and Ky to try to make the sport a bit of bit simpler for them.”
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