Contemplating Ben Simmons has performed solely 57 video games over the previous two seasons with the Nets, battling psychological well being challenges and nerve points in his again whereas averaging underneath seven factors per sport, it’s simple to view his offseason coach’s religion with a little bit of skepticism. Nonetheless, in Monday evening’s contest in opposition to the Wizards, Simmons logged 13 first-half minutes with the beginning lineup and was clearly one of the best participant on the ground.
He showcased the all-around abilities that made him a three-time All-Star, scoring 11 factors and grabbing 5 rebounds whereas pushing the tempo and delivering the sort of lockdown protection that earned him back-to-back all-defensive crew alternatives.
Whereas his $40 million wage makes him a troublesome commerce piece, a wholesome and engaged Simmons may very well be the important thing to a surprisingly aggressive season for the Nets, probably even touchdown them within the play-in match.
Damian Lillard has misplaced a step
Throughout 2022-23, Damian Lillard averaged just 12.9 drives per game, marking the primary time in his profession that fewer than 20 percent of his shots came at the rim. Quick ahead to this 12 months’s preseason and he incessantly seems to be the slowest guard on the court docket. His once-explosive first step is enjoyable comfortably again in Portland.
In Monday’s contest in opposition to a Bulls squad resting all its projected starters aside from Josh Giddey, Lillard recorded 20 factors and 9 assists, highlighting his reliable outdoors shot and playmaking talents. Nonetheless, he struggled to get into the paint and his protection was lackluster at greatest. The Bulls second unit routinely focused him in pick-and-roll conditions and isolation units, creating simple scoring alternatives.
It’s solely the preseason and as a 12-year veteran, Lillard might merely be pacing himself to keep away from an pointless damage. Nonetheless, at 34 years outdated and coming off arguably the least productive season of his profession, it’s truthful to query whether or not he’s misplaced a step.
The Zach LaVine revenge tour is right here
Zach LaVine has solely performed one preseason sport for the Bulls, however he made a press release, dropping an offended 28 factors in opposition to the Grizzlies. He attacked his defenders, mad-dogging them with an edge, and he even despatched Scottie Pippen Jr. flying on a drive to the rim. LaVine is a two-time All-Star and has been one of many league’s prime scoring wings. Nonetheless, he’s by no means displayed the identical depth we see from gamers like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Anthony Edwards.
