Ben Simmons shines in comeback game as Nets fall to Lakers

Ben Simmons showed signs of regaining his athleticism and confidence in the Brooklyn Nets' preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. This could be a scary proposition for the Eastern Conference as the Nets are all-in on making the Simmons experience work.

In the 2022-23 NBA season, Ben Simmons has shown signs of regaining his athleticism and confidence. Over his last seven games, he attempted four free throws, playing approximately 144 minutes. In the preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, he played 14 minutes and took four free throws.

While this may seem like a small victory in the context of an exhibition game, it holds significance considering the challenges Simmons has faced in the past two seasons. After sitting out the entire 2021-22 season due to a trade request and a back injury, he returned for the Brooklyn Nets last season but struggled in 42 appearances. His scoring average dropped to just 6.9 points per game, and his once elite athleticism seemed to have diminished. Additionally, his free-throw shooting woes from his time in Philadelphia seemed to affect his confidence on the court.

However, in Monday's game, Simmons displayed a more aggressive style of play in a Nets uniform. He fearlessly attacked the basket, resulting in a successful layup and a trip to the free-throw line. His signature transition speed was also on display as he raced past half-court to save a bad pass and finished with a powerful dunk.

While it's important to approach preseason performances with caution, the idea of Simmons as a player relies on combining his elite athleticism with his high basketball IQ. In the past two seasons, he has been lacking in the former. However, there are promising signs that he is starting to regain his athleticism.

This development is concerning for the Eastern Conference, especially since the Nets are fully committed to making the Simmons experiment work. He started at point guard in Monday's game and took charge of Brooklyn's offense. Although the team may still need to address their shooting deficiencies, a starting lineup led by Simmons should excel defensively and in transition. If Simmons continues to perform at this level, the Nets have the potential to be a competitive team this season.

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