When Will the Nets Panic & Bring Out Simmons?

[moiso]

I'm not even sure hack-a-Simmons will actually work.  Sure he was awful in the playoffs at the end last year and generally has been a poor FT shooter, but he is 60% for his career (and even last year), and that generally isn't bad enough to have a hack-a-player strategy work to your advantage.

You don't necessarily need to go all out hack-a-Ben but we should not let him take any shot (within reason) without fouling him.  Force him to the line.  Don't let him get anything easy.  You know he does not want to have to make free throws in a tense game.  If he makes 60%, so be it but I bet he doesn't.  Put some pressure on him and see how he responds.

I doubt he is anywhere near the court at the end of the game so there likely won't be an opportunity for that type of hack-a-Ben anyway.  And that is if he plays at all which I still have my doubts.

Whether it works or not, Hack a Ben would be must see tv.

[td450]

Considering he hasn't even played full throttle pickup yet, the idea that he can just jump in and cover Tatum or Brown after all this time seems ridiculous.

Most NBA players have trouble adjusting to playoff intensity, even when they haven't missed any time, and this series is higher pressure than normal. This just seems like a bit of misdirection to me.

[hpantazo]

Considering he hasn't even played full throttle pickup yet, the idea that he can just jump in and cover Tatum or Brown after all this time seems ridiculous.

Most NBA players have trouble adjusting to playoff intensity, even when they haven't missed any time, and this series is higher pressure than normal. This just seems like a bit of misdirection to me.

Agreed. Unless the Nets have been flat out lying and he's been fully practicing with them for weeks.

[Phantom255x]

This is the same dude who drove in transition to a wide open hoop... and passed the ball. He also obviously can't shoot long jumpers or 3s. It's not just the ability to Hack-A-Simmons, but basically if you clog the interior it's hard for Simmons to put up points as well. The Hawks exploited it all very well last year in the playoffs

His obvious impact would be on defense but even some of the best defensive players need to ramp up a bit or they'll be rusty. Is Simmons going to come in and immediately stop Brown/Tatum?

[Phantom255x]

Woj is reporting it like it's a foregone conclusion he's back Game 4. Game 3 is possible IF he clears more hurdles but honestly, I'd say Game 4.

[#1P4P]

A healthy, sharp Simmons is a great addition to this Nets team.

That said, he hasn’t played NBA basketball in 10+ months and is recovering from mental health issues and a back injury.

Klay Thompson, one of the greatest shooters ever, with years of chemistry with his system and teammates needed weeks worth of game reps to be back to 100%.

For Simmons to get used to the Nets system/rotations on offense and defense against this Celtics offense and defense will be difficult. If they plan on going anywhere this postseason, they might as well bring him in to get reps.

I expect the series to be out of reach by Game 4 and for his addition to be less relevant to the actual games (not the media).

[Goldstar88]

Based on Ben Simmons’ progress in practices this week -- and the anticipation of him further accelerating in the coming days -- Game 4 vs. Boston on Monday is looming as a realistic target for his Brooklyn debut, sources tell ESPN. -Adrian Wojnarowski, Senior NBA Insider

[Surferdad]

A healthy, sharp Simmons is a great addition to this Nets team.

That said, he hasn’t played NBA basketball in 10+ months and is recovering from mental health issues and a back injury.

Klay Thompson, one of the greatest shooters ever, with years of chemistry with his system and teammates needed weeks worth of game reps to be back to 100%.

For Simmons to get used to the Nets system/rotations on offense and defense against this Celtics offense and defense will be difficult. If they plan on going anywhere this postseason, they might as well bring him in to get reps.

I expect the series to be out of reach by Game 4 and for his addition to be less relevant to the actual games (not the media).

All true and what's more, a Game 4 return of Simmons will be more than offset by a Robert Williams III return, possibly in the same game.   

[tazzmaniac]

A healthy, sharp Simmons is a great addition to this Nets team.

That said, he hasn’t played NBA basketball in 10+ months and is recovering from mental health issues and a back injury.

Klay Thompson, one of the greatest shooters ever, with years of chemistry with his system and teammates needed weeks worth of game reps to be back to 100%.

For Simmons to get used to the Nets system/rotations on offense and defense against this Celtics offense and defense will be difficult. If they plan on going anywhere this postseason, they might as well bring him in to get reps.

I expect the series to be out of reach by Game 4 and for his addition to be less relevant to the actual games (not the media).

All true and what's more, a Game 4 return of Simmons will be more than offset by a Robert Williams III return, possibly in the same game.   

I hope and think you're both right but the basketball gods love drama.  There'd be no more drama than Simmons returning to Philly in the playoffs. 

[hodgy03038]

It really doesn't matter to me when they do. Yes he has some qualities that can hurt us some but there are more negatives with him that should exceed the positives plus the rest of team is not familiar with him in game mode. Bring it on.

[Larry for 3]

I'm not even sure hack-a-Simmons will actually work.  Sure he was awful in the playoffs at the end last year and generally has been a poor FT shooter, but he is 60% for his career (and even last year), and that generally isn't bad enough to have a hack-a-player strategy work to your advantage.

You don't necessarily need to go all out hack-a-Ben but we should not let him take any shot (within reason) without fouling him.  Force him to the line.  Don't let him get anything easy.  You know he does not want to have to make free throws in a tense game.  If he makes 60%, so be it but I bet he doesn't.  Put some pressure on him and see how he responds.

I doubt he is anywhere near the court at the end of the game so there likely won't be an opportunity for that type of hack-a-Ben anyway.  And that is if he plays at all which I still have my doubts.

Whether it works or not, Hack a Ben would be must see tv.

You most definitely foul him right away. This guy will turn right into a puddle and then be useless. How is this even not a strategy. He’s weak. He passed up a layup the last time we saw him! You pounce on this guy. He”ll wilt. This series is conference finals intensity. Go right after him.

[blink]

Simmons shouldn't be a concern for us until he gets on the court and proves that he is game ready and can do some damage.  Otherwise he is just some other dude that hasn't played nba basketball for a year.  C's need to worry about what WE are going to do, who cares about Simmons.

[gouki88]

I'd rather have Simmons out there than Dragic or Mills, from a Celtic perspective.

[coco]

My thoughts exactly.
Am I the only one rooting for a BS return?
It would ruined their chemistry

[Moranis]

I'd rather have Simmons out there than Dragic or Mills, from a Celtic perspective.

defensively? on the boards? playmaking?