The forthcoming comeback of Ben Simmons makes coach Rick Pitino encouraged on the rejuvenated Brooklyn Nets’ fortunes.
And he believes that the Australian star can pull the franchise in his own ways by replicating the dirty work of the engine of the NBA’s current dynasty in Golden State Warriors.
“Every team needs a Draymond Green and I think Simmons probably will serve that role,” he said, via Adam Zagoria of NJ Advance Media. “He’s the play-maker, he’s the defensive player.”
Though there is an obvious disparity in terms of their emotion, expressiveness and leadership, Simmons still possesses similar versatile tools that Green has.
As such, there’s even no question that he got a much better athletic intangibles and offensive game than the future hall of famer, as he is averaging 15.9 points on an impressive 56.0 percent shooting mark throughout the four campaigns he played.
With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving handling the team’s offensive load, Simmons’ all-around presence and ball distribution will be crucial for the Nets’ hopes of running it back this upcoming season. After an embattled season marred by controversy and unavailability woes, there is no doubt that he’ll be pumped up for a potential year of basketball vengeance.
