Ben Simmons Looks 'Scary' With Nets in Preseason Debut Against 76ers

Ben Simmons is playing basketball again.

After missing the entire 2021-22 season that saw him traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets, the LSU product made his Nets debut in Monday's preseason game.

The Nets played their superstars in Kevin Durant and Simmons, while the Philadelphia rested their stars. Simmons was the one who generated the most interest because of how he hasn't played with his new teammates and is less of a sure thing on the court than Irving and KD.

The three-time All-Star played 19 minutes in the first half and ended up with six points, five assists, four rebound and one steal. While some of his previous issues were still there, as evidenced by a fadeaway that drew nothing but backboard and misses on both of his free throws, he also played multiple positions and looked great.

Simmons mixed in a dunk, a no-look pass and the ability to defend multiple positions, generating reaction to his talent and flaws.

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob

first half takeaways:1) Ben Simmons still defends like a menace2) Majority of BKN’s half court sets were initiated w/Ben on ball3) Ben in open court w/these weapons is scary4) The FT stroke does not look any healthier

5) Tyrese Maxey might make the all-star team this season

Ben Stinar @BenStinar

I f**king love Ben Simmons game y’all are so wrong about him

Alec Sturm @Alec_Sturm

Ben Simmons playmaking out of the post is exciting.

Cody Mallory @RealCodyMallory

Ben Simmons was everywhere that half

Primary ball handler, primary defender, screener, post, dunker spot, etc etc etc

Bortey 🇬🇭 @joelbortey

Ben Simmons still hasn’t changed. The Wall of defense still blocks him.

David Murphy @ByDavidMurphy

Ben Simmons looks like he hasn’t skipped a beat after his year off. Looks exactly the same as he’s always looked. Which is his problem

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip

Tyrese Maxey already in mid-season form, while the TV broadcast talks nothing but Ben Simmons(who’s game hasn’t changed).

Matt del Rio @mdelNBA

So… you’re telling me Ben Simmons is good at the stuff he has always been good at and bad at the stuff he has always been bad at?

Simmons is a fan of the Nets team.

His shooting struggles won't be a problem with players like Irving, Joe Harris, and Curry spotting up. He can play from the inside and set up those teammates with his crisp passing and serve as a problem for opposing frontcourts in transition.

Even if there was a shot or two mixed in, his defensive prowess will take some of the pressure off the other stars on that end of the floor.

There was a lot to build on in the preseason opener for the Nets.