Brooklyn Ben continues to be an enigma in '24-25

• Points per game: 5.2 (150th+)
• Rebounds per game: 5.7 (63rd)
• Assists: 6.5 (18th)
• FG%: 60.8 (Top 10)

Australian point guard Ben Simmons’ 2024-25 season with the Brooklyn Nets has been marked by his trademark playmaking, efficient scoring inside the arc, and defensive versatility. But — there always seems to be a but with Ben — his offensive impact is limited by his reluctance to shoot and low scoring output. He's averaging 23.6 minutes per game but his playing time has dropped to just 16.7 minutes in December, 2024.

The Nets are 10-14, 3rd in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division.

Here’s a detailed review of his contributions and areas for improvement at the season's midpoint.

Strengths

1. Elite Playmaking
   • Average APG: 6.4 (18th in the NBA)
   • Simmons remains one of the league’s top facilitators. His ability to orchestrate the offense, set up teammates, and make plays in transition is invaluable to the Nets’ ball movement.
   • Standout Performance: Delivered 12 assists on November 12, 2024, against the New Orleans Pelicans, demonstrating he still has exceptional passing vision.
2. Efficient Scoring
   • Field Goal Percentage: 60.8%
   • Simmons scores efficiently in the paint, converting a high percentage of his limited attempts. He has an excellent understanding of his strengths, focusing on high-percentage looks near the rim.
   • Standout Performance: On November 28 against Phoenix, he shot 87.5% from the field, scoring 14 points while contributing across the board.
3. Rebounding Ability
   • Average RPG: 5.7
   • Simmons is a solid rebounder for his position, often securing defensive boards to kickstart the Nets' transition offense.
4. Defensive Versatility
   • Steals and Blocks: 0.8 SPG, 0.6 BPG
   • Simmons’ size, athleticism, and defensive instincts allow him to guard multiple positions. While his raw defensive stats don’t jump off the page, his presence disrupts opposing offenses. But he is no longer the All-NBA defensive star he was at the Philadelphia 76ers.

Areas for Improvement

1. Limited Scoring Output
   • Average PPG: 5.2
   • Simmons’ scoring remains a significant weakness. Despite his efficiency, his reluctance to be a scoring threat severely limits his offensive impact. He’s yet to attempt a three-pointer this season, and his lack of aggression often allows defenders to sag off him, hindering the team’s spacing.
2. Free-Throw Hesitancy
   • FT Attempts Per Game: 0.3
   • Simmons rarely gets to the line, reflecting his hesitancy to attack the basket aggressively. He’s shooting 50% from the stripe (4-of-8) this season, the low volume neutralises any benefit.
3. Turnovers
   • Turnovers Per Game: 2.4
   • While Simmons is an elite playmaker, his turnover rate is high relative to his usage. He needs to improve his decision-making in half-court sets and under defensive pressure.
4. Consistency in Effort and Impact
   • Simmons’ performance fluctuates, with games where he seems disengaged offensively (a donut on November 18 against the Knicks). The Nets need Simmons to maintain a consistent level of aggression and involvement.

Summary

Ben Simmons is contributing as a playmaker, rebounder, and defender, but his offensive limitations significantly cap his overall impact. While his efficiency and passing are strengths, his reluctance to expand his scoring arsenal or assert himself offensively makes him a liability in certain lineups. For Simmons to maximise his value to the Nets, he must embrace a more aggressive offensive role while maintaining his defensive intensity.

Grade: C(ish)

Simmons is excelling in his established strengths but hasn’t evolved his game to address his long-standing weaknesses. His contributions are valuable but not game-changing, making him a role player rather than the star his talent suggests he could be and what made him the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2018, 3× NBA All-Star (2019–2021), All-NBA Third Team (2020), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2020, 2021), NBA All-Rookie First Team Member (2018), and NBA steals leader (2020).

About the Author

Peter Brown is the head coach of the Sydney Comets Women’s Youth League team in the Waratah Basketball League in NSW. He is also the assistant coach for the Comets NBL1 women’s team in the NBL East Conference. Peter is a 30-year journalist, starting as a sports reporter at the NT News in the early 1990s. He played junior basketball for the Northern Territory at national championships from U16 to U20 and for the Territory’s senior men’s team at numerous international tournaments. Peter has been a basketball fan since the early 80s, especially the NBA. Basketball is his passion — and his opinions his own. Email peter.brown@basketball.com.au with feedback. Any email feedback on articles sent to Peter can be published on basketball.com.au for others to read.