When Will the Nets Panic & Bring Out Simmons?

[cman88]

This whole situation just continues to smell fishier and fishier. The random progressions of his recovery from non-contact, to 4v4, to playing a playoff game, then there's Steve Nash not having any idea about it all.

Either he's completely underdone, yet will play and either be ineffective or hurt himself again - or, this is all a weird media play.

I think its gamesmanship. theres no way any reasonable person would expect someone who hasnt played basketball in a year an hasnt even practiced with the team can be thrown into a high intensity playoff game and be effective.

does he know their defensive sets? he still cant shoot....he might be in shape, but is he in basketball shape? let alone playoff basketball shape? it seems to me that putting him out there might be a net liability. especially if whomever is defending him can leave him and double durant/kyrie

[Kiorrik]

Just saw this comment on reddit:

Has anyone ever played in back to back playoff eliminations before?


Got a good chuckle outta that

[Phantom255x]

Just saw this comment on reddit:

Has anyone ever played in back to back playoff eliminations before?


Got a good chuckle outta that

It's actually funny, because even Sixers Reddit is clowning Simmons here. I mean if Simmons says he can go Game 4, then is there a reason in particular he can't play some of Game 3 (even for like 10-15 minutes?). His team is down 2-0 in the series and I don't think that extra Sunday would make a huge difference in his "ramping up" process

I guess I could understand if Game 3 was played, then you had two days off between games, but after Game 3 the schedule becomes "a game every other day".

[tazzmaniac]

I haven't found an example from the last 50 years of basketball of a guy not playing basketball all year (let alone not being able to even run or play one on one for months) that came back and played in the playoffs (let alone made an impact). I, for the life of me, can't understand people building up simmons to be a boogie man like this. It is just very very bizarre. Are some fans just looking for something to be scared of? I am a lot more scared of a monster game from Kyrie or Durant (or even Curry hitting like 7 threes) more than I am a guy that has never played with his team or played in a year coming in and even making a slight positive impact. Why would this happen in the first time in the history of basketball? Making this even funnier is the fact that Simmons is famous for not being a hard worker or improving his game. His 76ers coaching staff famously asked in his 4th year, "is there anything this guy has improved on since we drafted him?"

The answer to the last question is obviously his defense.  He was far from an elite defender when he entered the league.  The potential was there but he coasted in college.  So he should get credit for his defensive improvement.  Otherwise there's little to no improvement in his game. 

As the series is being played now, I don't think KD and Kyrie have any chance to win 4 of 5.  If it was Lebron and Kyrie, I'd still have concerns about a Nets comeback but KD isn't Lebron.  My only concern is the refs start calling the games tighter and don't allow as much physical play.  The physicality has clearly gotten into KD's head.  In the 1st two games, he has 12 turnovers and only 13 baskets made.   

[pokeKingCurtis]

I haven't found an example from the last 50 years of basketball of a guy not playing basketball all year (let alone not being able to even run or play one on one for months) that came back and played in the playoffs (let alone made an impact). I, for the life of me, can't understand people building up simmons to be a boogie man like this. It is just very very bizarre. Are some fans just looking for something to be scared of? I am a lot more scared of a monster game from Kyrie or Durant (or even Curry hitting like 7 threes) more than I am a guy that has never played with his team or played in a year coming in and even making a slight positive impact. Why would this happen in the first time in the history of basketball? Making this even funnier is the fact that Simmons is famous for not being a hard worker or improving his game. His 76ers coaching staff famously asked in his 4th year, "is there anything this guy has improved on since we drafted him?"

Yea, refs are the bigger boogieman

But I feel like Ime has figured that out. He won't let our dudes complain, and forces our dudes to play tough no matter what

[seancally]

I haven't found an example from the last 50 years of basketball of a guy not playing basketball all year (let alone not being able to even run or play one on one for months) that came back and played in the playoffs (let alone made an impact). I, for the life of me, can't understand people building up simmons to be a boogie man like this. It is just very very bizarre. Are some fans just looking for something to be scared of? I am a lot more scared of a monster game from Kyrie or Durant (or even Curry hitting like 7 threes) more than I am a guy that has never played with his team or played in a year coming in and even making a slight positive impact. Why would this happen in the first time in the history of basketball? Making this even funnier is the fact that Simmons is famous for not being a hard worker or improving his game. His 76ers coaching staff famously asked in his 4th year, "is there anything this guy has improved on since we drafted him?"

Yea, refs are the bigger boogieman

But I feel like Ime has figured that out. He won't let our dudes complain, and forces our dudes to play tough no matter what

Sure, but KD shot 20 FTs. It isn’t like we were getting away with a ton out there.

Simmons is obviously a stellar defender, but I would be shocked if he has the motor and legs to play that end at a high level right away.

[pokeKingCurtis]

I haven't found an example from the last 50 years of basketball of a guy not playing basketball all year (let alone not being able to even run or play one on one for months) that came back and played in the playoffs (let alone made an impact). I, for the life of me, can't understand people building up simmons to be a boogie man like this. It is just very very bizarre. Are some fans just looking for something to be scared of? I am a lot more scared of a monster game from Kyrie or Durant (or even Curry hitting like 7 threes) more than I am a guy that has never played with his team or played in a year coming in and even making a slight positive impact. Why would this happen in the first time in the history of basketball? Making this even funnier is the fact that Simmons is famous for not being a hard worker or improving his game. His 76ers coaching staff famously asked in his 4th year, "is there anything this guy has improved on since we drafted him?"

Yea, refs are the bigger boogieman

But I feel like Ime has figured that out. He won't let our dudes complain, and forces our dudes to play tough no matter what

Sure, but KD shot 20 FTs. It isn’t like we were getting away with a ton out there.

Simmons is obviously a stellar defender, but I would be shocked if he has the motor and legs to play that end at a high level right away.

in my personal opinion i think it says a lot that the story is still that the Celts played good defense, rather than KD made them pay.

[Vermont Green]

I haven't found an example from the last 50 years of basketball of a guy not playing basketball all year (let alone not being able to even run or play one on one for months) that came back and played in the playoffs (let alone made an impact). I, for the life of me, can't understand people building up simmons to be a boogie man like this. It is just very very bizarre. Are some fans just looking for something to be scared of? I am a lot more scared of a monster game from Kyrie or Durant (or even Curry hitting like 7 threes) more than I am a guy that has never played with his team or played in a year coming in and even making a slight positive impact. Why would this happen in the first time in the history of basketball? Making this even funnier is the fact that Simmons is famous for not being a hard worker or improving his game. His 76ers coaching staff famously asked in his 4th year, "is there anything this guy has improved on since we drafted him?"

Yea, refs are the bigger boogieman

But I feel like Ime has figured that out. He won't let our dudes complain, and forces our dudes to play tough no matter what

Durant got 20 FTs last game and we still won. The Celtics or the fans should not worry about the refs.  Just keep balling.

[pokeKingCurtis]

I haven't found an example from the last 50 years of basketball of a guy not playing basketball all year (let alone not being able to even run or play one on one for months) that came back and played in the playoffs (let alone made an impact). I, for the life of me, can't understand people building up simmons to be a boogie man like this. It is just very very bizarre. Are some fans just looking for something to be scared of? I am a lot more scared of a monster game from Kyrie or Durant (or even Curry hitting like 7 threes) more than I am a guy that has never played with his team or played in a year coming in and even making a slight positive impact. Why would this happen in the first time in the history of basketball? Making this even funnier is the fact that Simmons is famous for not being a hard worker or improving his game. His 76ers coaching staff famously asked in his 4th year, "is there anything this guy has improved on since we drafted him?"

Yea, refs are the bigger boogieman

But I feel like Ime has figured that out. He won't let our dudes complain, and forces our dudes to play tough no matter what

Durant got 20 FTs last game and we still won. The Celtics or the fans should not worry about the refs.  Just keep balling.

I just remember for the 2020 COVID season, every other game I blamed the refs for something (and every other game was a comeback that came just short).

[Kiorrik]

I don't think Bimmons is the boogieman or even seen as such.

I think he's seen as a 3rd best player on that team, regardless of whether he produces at the level he used to or not.

Which would mean 1 extra person to worry about, and upping the talent of that squad by a fair margin.

[cman88]

I don't think Bimmons is the boogieman or even seen as such.

I think he's seen as a 3rd best player on that team, regardless of whether he produces at the level he used to or not.

Which would mean 1 extra person to worry about, and upping the talent of that squad by a fair margin.

That's assuming a guy who hasn't played or practiced in a year with his team can just come into a playoff game and immediately look the same.

I think that's what people are doubting. Guy hasn't played any basketball in a year.

Usually those are guys you see eased in during the regular season with 10-15 minutes a game during games no one cares about. Not game 4 of the playoffs.

[Phantom255x]

I'm kind of reminded how the C's bought back Hayward in the middle of the ECF during the bubble playoffs. While Hayward did come in and provide some spark and a bit of a boost, unfortunately he really didn't have a big impact on how the rest of the games/series really went. Hayward put up decent stats but nothing otherworldly. Not Hayward's fault at all. But I think it'll be the same with Simmons. He might do some stuff that helps but I doubt he's lighting up the scoreboard or making a huge impact at least in his first few games back

[footey]

I'm kind of reminded how the C's bought back Hayward in the middle of the ECF during the bubble playoffs. While Hayward did come in and provide some spark and a bit of a boost, unfortunately he really didn't have a big impact on how the rest of the games/series really went. Hayward put up decent stats but nothing otherworldly. Not Hayward's fault at all. But I think it'll be the same with Simmons. He might do some stuff that helps but I doubt he's lighting up the scoreboard or making a huge impact at least in his first few games back

Yes, he came back in game 5 and helped us win, but really struggled in game 6, including smoking a  bunny as the young folk like to say.

I strongly believe with a healthy Hayward and Kemba we would have one the bubble championship.

[Phantom255x]

I'm kind of reminded how the C's bought back Hayward in the middle of the ECF during the bubble playoffs. While Hayward did come in and provide some spark and a bit of a boost, unfortunately he really didn't have a big impact on how the rest of the games/series really went. Hayward put up decent stats but nothing otherworldly. Not Hayward's fault at all. But I think it'll be the same with Simmons. He might do some stuff that helps but I doubt he's lighting up the scoreboard or making a huge impact at least in his first few games back

Yes, he came back in game 5 and helped us win, but really struggled in game 6, including smoking a  bunny as the young folk like to say.

I strongly believe with a healthy Hayward and Kemba we would have one the bubble championship.

Ugh don't remind me, but yeah I agree.

And actually he came back Game 3, helped them win in Games 3 and 5, but in 4 and 6 he was bad. But even in Game 3 I think he only put up numbers like what KAT did last night lol

[Moranis]

This whole situation just continues to smell fishier and fishier. The random progressions of his recovery from non-contact, to 4v4, to playing a playoff game, then there's Steve Nash not having any idea about it all.

Either he's completely underdone, yet will play and either be ineffective or hurt himself again - or, this is all a weird media play.

I think Nash was downplaying him coming back for several reasons the most obvious being he may not actually be able to play and if he can play he may not be any good.  I think it was Nash lowering expectations.  Not Nash not having any idea what was going on, but just managing things.