NBA Off Season 2022

[Moranis]

Simmons at center is a terrible idea.  I think he could probably play PF against most teams, but he shouldn't be center ever.  He can't take the abuse to his frame.  I also don't like Durant at PF.  The Nets have talent, but really do have a roster construction issue.  I think ideally they'd have Simmons at PG, Irving at SG, and Durant at SF.  Now maybe they can get Harris out there, but they definitely need an upgrade at center. 

Looking around the league at players that might be available that would seemingly make sense for them, I think they should try to get Love from the Cavs.  Maybe something like Harris and O'Neale for Love and Wade

The Cavs get a mega shooter at SF, while the Nets pick up the shooting and rebounding big that makes better sense on the roster and they basically just swap back-up PF's. 

So if the Nets did that they'd be

C - Love, Claxton, Sharpe
PF - Warren, Wade
SF - Durant, Duke
SG - Irving, Curry, Thomas, Edwards
PG - Simmons, Mills

While the Cavs would be

C - Allen, Brown
PF - Mobley, Markannen, O'Neale
SF - Harris, Osman, Okoro
SG - Sexton, LeVert, Windler
PG - Garland, Frazier, Rubio

[Roy H.]

You think that Love can play center but Simmons can't?

Simmons is listed at 6'11", 240 pounds.  Love is 6'8", 250 pounds.

[Vermont Green]

My guess is that the Nets will play Simmons as a PG or whatever you want to call it because that is what he is going to want to do, at least to start games.  Then of course Kyrie and Durant will start.  If it was me though, I think I would have Simmons as more of a point PF so that I could keep Durant at wing and then find a real center (blue collar type):

Kyrie
Harris
Durant
Simmons
Blue Collar Center

Simmons can move to the point with other line ups but for the core line up, you need some interior defense.  Simmons should be able to provide that along with the center I think they need.  The Nets are not going to have good perimeter defense so they need a back stop.  It makes no sense to me to have Simmons out chasing guards.

[bello_man09]

the Roster is kinda  a mess and KD doesnt have time to hold to ben simmons hand.

[celticsclay]

You think that Love can play center but Simmons can't?

Simmons is listed at 6'11", 240 pounds.  Love is 6'8", 250 pounds.

I think simmons could play center physically but not mentally. He would fold like a cheap suit after getting hit a few times by Howard, jokic, embid etc.

[Roy H.]

You think that Love can play center but Simmons can't?

Simmons is listed at 6'11", 240 pounds.  Love is 6'8", 250 pounds.

I think simmons could play center physically but not mentally. He would fold like a cheap suit after getting hit a few times by Howard, jokic, embid etc.

It depends upon which Simmons we get.  Throughout his career, he's shown a strong commitment to defense -- including physical defense -- even when offensively he's been in his own head.  But, we haven't seen him play in a year, so we have no idea if he's dealing with other mental issues at this point.

[Moranis]

You think that Love can play center but Simmons can't?

Simmons is listed at 6'11", 240 pounds.  Love is 6'8", 250 pounds.

Absolutely.  It is style of play, body type, etc.  Love is much more suited to play center than Simmons.  I'm surprised anyone would think differently.  Plus, Love has actually played center in his career.  In fact, last year he was listed as a center, playing about 2/3 of his minutes at center.  His last year with Lebron, he basically only played center, including the whole playoff run to the Finals.  Simmons has never played anything other than guard in his career.  It is a huge jump to have him play PF, let alone center. 

[hpantazo]

The Nets statement today was just regarding KD, right? I don't see Kyrie staying on this team this season. Besides his off court issues, he doesn't fit with Ben Simmons. Both guys need the ball in their hands a lot in order to be effective.

I think the Lakers still want Kyrie, and their backup plan is Schroeder.

[celticsclay]

The Nets statement today was just regarding KD, right? I don't see Kyrie staying on this team this season. Besides his off court issues, he doesn't fit with Ben Simmons. Both guys need the ball in their hands a lot in order to be effective.

I think the Lakers still want Kyrie, and their backup plan is Schroeder.

No irving is expected to stay also. They are trying to run back with their current squad to compete for a championship. Obviously getting Westbrook and cutting him makes a complete mockery of that. The lakers fan fantasy appears to be dead. Excited for Westbrook season 2!

[celticsclay]

It seems Schroeder is going to get little more than the vet minimum. What is the deal with that? He is just considered a complete cancer in the locker room? We obviously played a lot better after he left. Clearly teams don’t view him as a starting pg

[SparzWizard]

Does this increase the Nets' odds of winning the championship this year now that their Big 3 is intact again.

Was hoping he'd come to us or go out West not named the Lakers or Warriors. Now another eastern juggernaut to deal with (not that they went away) again alongside Milwaukee, Philly, Miami and other young teams.

[SHAQATTACK]

The Nets statement today was just regarding KD, right? I don't see Kyrie staying on this team this season. Besides his off court issues, he doesn't fit with Ben Simmons. Both guys need the ball in their hands a lot in order to be effective.

I think the Lakers still want Kyrie, and their backup plan is Schroeder.

Simmons will be standing in no mans land while Kyrie pounds the ball ,  without a hope of getting the ball back or hitting a outside jump shot.   It would amazing difficult to play with these two on the floor at once.

[sgrogan]

How can't you take them seriously? They won 44 games last year.

Conservative games estimate
Irving 29 > 55
Durant 55 > 55
Simmons 0 > 55
Harden 44 > 0
Harris 14 > 55
Curry 14 > 55
Mills 81 > 55
Brown 72 > 0 ---- This is the biggest one
Thomas 66 > 55
Claxton 47 > 55

I'm sure Aldridge and Drummond can be replaced.

Looks like about 47-48 wins to me.

[Moranis]

The Nets statement today was just regarding KD, right? I don't see Kyrie staying on this team this season. Besides his off court issues, he doesn't fit with Ben Simmons. Both guys need the ball in their hands a lot in order to be effective.

I think the Lakers still want Kyrie, and their backup plan is Schroeder.

I actually think Simmons and Irving would work quite well.  Irving definitely is better creating himself with the ball, but he doesn't create well for others, which is something Simmons excels at.  If I was coaching the Nets, I'd absolutely play Simmons at the point and let him start the halfcourt offense. Put Irving off the ball and let him work his magic at times within the flow of the offense. 

[Moranis]

How can't you take them seriously? They won 44 games last year.

Conservative games estimate
Irving 29 > 55
Durant 55 > 55
Simmons 0 > 55
Harden 44 > 0
Harris 14 > 55
Curry 14 > 55
Mills 81 > 55
Brown 72 > 0 ---- This is the biggest one
Thomas 66 > 55
Claxton 47 > 55

I'm sure Aldridge and Drummond can be replaced.

Looks like about 47-48 wins to me.

They added Warren and O'Neale as well.  Plus, Sharpe and Thomas should be a lot better.  They have so many question marks it is hard to trust them, but if they actually put it together, I think they could legitimately contend.  I don't think they will put it all together though and will probably be in the play-in again and make for a tough out for one of the top seeds, just like this year (except they will be better by the shear fact you'd expect Simmons and Harris to play).