Ben Simmons Advised To Settle Down After Undergoing Long Layoff

Having not played for over a year, it was understandable that Ben Simmons would be far from his prolific form.

It was evident in his first game with his new team--the Brooklyn Nets.

Simmons admitted that while he wanted to bring something to the table on the team's opening campaign this season, he needed to tone it down.

"I gotta tone it down," Simmons quipped following the Nets' 130-108 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, October 19. "Like I'd be a little too physical over the top. Maybe I'm just excited. My first game so."

The 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year acknowledged that his excitement got the better of him, particularly because he badly wanted to win his first game with Brooklyn.

Simmons played for 24 minutes, registering four points to go along with five rebounds and five assists.

Regardless of his lethargic debut, the Nets know that it will only be a matter of time before Simmons buckles down to work and show what he truly brings to the team.

One person who sees it that way is Kyrie Irving.

"He's just got to get reps and minutes. I think it's as simple as that. You know, we told him in the locker room: he is a valuable piece for us and we need him out there, and fouling out is not an option," Irving stated.

Meanwhile, head coach Steve Nash used Simmons' preseason performance as proof that it will only be a matter of time before the three-time All-Star gets settled in.

"The guy hasn't played in over a year. He's still getting used to referees and defense, offense. This is a process for Ben. I've said it a lot, you guys have heard me say it, he's shown glimpses of the player we know he is and can be. But, it's not easy. We're here to support him. We're here to push him, coach him up and try to get him to a place where he can play at the level he's played at in the past. It's all there for him," Nash said.

The Nets get a chance to bounce back on Friday, October 21 when they host the Toronto Raptors.