Kevin Durant

Who cares whether you make it or not? Ben Simmons’ advice from Kevin Durant about being aggressive

In the Brooklyn Nets’ 109-80 preseason loss to the Miami Heat last week, Ben Simmons only attempted three shots. In his second appearance after a 470-day absence, the three-time All-Star had trouble getting into a groove for a Nets team that was shorthanded.

In 25 minutes of action, Simmons was glaringly inactive. Through the first two preseason games for the Nets, the former first-round choice has displayed little assertiveness in attacking the rim or creating offensive contact. In some ways, this was anticipated as Simmons reacclimated to NBA play. The 26-year-old is recovering from back surgery this summer, so the process is more than just mental for him. The squad will need to be understanding and helpful to Simmons during the process, said to head coach Steve Nash.

The most important thing, according to Nash, is to encourage him and be there for him. We all have faith in him. We all believe he will have a significant impact. Just give him some time. We need to be patient with him and hope that it happens fast, but in the case that it doesn’t, we simply need to push through, be patient, and instill confidence in him because, as I’ve said before, it’s not simple.

You have to realize how much he has been through, the speaker added. “This is no little thing—been it’s a year and a half since he last played, not to mention the operation. I believe it is incredibly tough for any athlete, not just a basketball player, to return from such a long absence from competition.

Despite this, if Simmons maintains his meek attitude over the first few weeks of the regular season, concerns about his psyche will grow. When analyzing Simmons’ fit in Brooklyn, the topic of conversation has consistently been about his capacity to create for others. There is less of a need to score while playing with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However, Nash was adamant when he discussed Simmons’ mentality on the court on Wednesday.

Nash remarked that Ben needed to be assertive. “From there, playmaking emerges. Playmaking becomes difficult if you aren’t aggressive. Playmaking gets simple when you’re trying to apply pressure to the rim. A key element of his playmaking is getting him back to his burst, athleticism, and capacity to just out-physical opponents.

He wouldn’t just stroll in with his back to everybody and zip balls all over the gym, the man added. Whether in transition or in the halfcourt, “He’s got to break the paint and make plays.”

Following the game on Thursday, Ben Simmons admitted that he needed to be more assertive, adding that there “has to be more of a balance” between his passing and shooting and that “three shots absolutely is not enough.” With 22 points on 8/12 shooting against Miami, Durant carried the offensive load. When asked how he might support Simmons in gaining more offensive self-assurance, Durant responded that he encourages an aggressive approach to Simmons, something all of his teammates do.

In 25 minutes of action, Simmons was glaringly inactive. Through the first two preseason games for the Nets, the former first-round choice has displayed little assertiveness in attacking the rim or creating offensive contact. In some ways, this was anticipated as Simmons reacclimated to NBA play. The 26-year-old is recovering from back surgery this summer, so the process is more than just mental for him. The squad will need to be understanding and helpful to Simmons during the process, said to head coach Steve Nash.

The most important thing, according to Nash, is to encourage him and be there for him. We all have faith in him. We all believe he will have a significant impact. Just give him some time. We need to be patient with him and hope that it happens fast, but in the case that it doesn’t, we simply need to push through, be patient, and instill confidence in him because, as I’ve said before, it’s not simple.

You have to realize how much he has been through, the speaker added. “This is no little thing—been it’s a year and a half since he last played, not to mention the operation. I believe it is incredibly tough for any athlete, not just a basketball player, to return from such a long absence from competition.

Despite this, if Simmons maintains his meek attitude over the first few weeks of the regular season, concerns about his psyche will grow. When analyzing Simmons’ fit in Brooklyn, the topic of conversation has consistently been about his capacity to create for others. There is less of a need to score while playing with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. However, Nash was adamant when he discussed Simmons’ mentality on the court on Wednesday.

Nash remarked that Ben needed to be assertive. “From there, playmaking emerges. Playmaking becomes difficult if you aren’t aggressive. Playmaking gets simple when you’re trying to apply pressure to the rim. A key element of his playmaking is getting him back to his burst, athleticism, and capacity to just out-physical opponents.

He wouldn’t just stroll in with his back to everybody and zip balls all over the gym, the man added. Whether in transition or in the halfcourt, “He’s got to break the paint and make plays.”

Following the game on Thursday, Ben Simmons admitted that he needed to be more assertive, adding that there “has to be more of a balance” between his passing and shooting and that “three shots absolutely is not enough.” With 22 points on 8/12 shooting against Miami, Durant carried the offensive load. When asked how he might support Simmons in gaining more offensive self-assurance, Durant responded that he encourages an aggressive approach to Simmons, something all of his teammates do.

Simply put your faith in him, hand the ball to him when he’s open, and urge him to be aggressive, Durant advised. “Well, I don’t do a lot. I’ve already stated that I’m not here to watch over anyone. Ben is aware that he should always act aggressively when the opportunity arises. Who cares whether you succeed or fail? He also informs me that we simply enjoy your aggression.

We constantly give each other that kind of motivation and support, he continued. We constantly discuss how we need to be more aggressive in our pursuit of scoring the ball, whether it be between me, him, Kai (Irving), Cam (Thomas), or Patty (Mills). The goal of the game is to put the ball through the hoop, after all. Therefore, it will benefit our squad when Ben is determined to get downhill, searches for everyone, and then puts the ball in the rim. But I don’t have to remind him of this all the time. He is aware of what it is.

Durant stated, “I think he’s gaining confidence.” He is just getting the reps under his belt, but he is aware of our collective trust in him. Nothing compares to playing an NBA game. You can exercise, train, and play pickup games all you want, but nothing compares to playing with a jersey on and lights on.

Therefore, he concluded, “it’s simply about accumulating reps, feeling secure as each day passes, and appreciating what he adds to the team. I believe that once you understand your role, things become very simple for you as a professional.

More in Sports: https://buzzing.today/sports/


Posted

in

by