NBA News: Ben Simmons May Be Good Fit For Nets, Says Decorated Sports Author

KEY POINTS

Ben Simmons will need to prove to the Nets' coaching staff that he can blend in with their system
Simmons has the chance to work on his perimeter shooting with the Nets
An insider has shot down rumors that Mike D’Antoni would be replacing Doc Rivers

All eyes are now on Ben Simmons and the Brooklyn Nets following the franchise's acquisition of the Australian cager before the NBA trade deadline last week.

However, tied with that is the fact that the 25-year-old will still be plagued by the same problems–outside shooting and decision-making.

These were key points that Simmons has had to deal with since the Philadelphia 76ers' unfortunate exit in last year’s NBA playoffs.

Although Simmons appears to be a fit by barreling his way to the basket, the fact remains that he needs to be ready to shoot outside and facilitate plays when called upon to do it.

Veteran American journalist and book author Roland Lazenby pointed out how the Nets whole approach is based on great shooting percentages.

The 70-year-old scribe gave his opinion on the Nets-Rockets trade when he appeared on the Sports Bytes PH podcast hosted by Filipino journalist Brian Yalung.

Lazenby was asked for his thoughts on how Nets coach Steve Nash would influence Simmons.

However, the decorated author referred to Nets assistant coach Mike D’Antoni instead, someone who coached Nash during his prime.

“D’Antoni’s theory is that you have to take all these three-point shots for the mid-range game not to be wasted. D’Antoni explained this to me personally. He doesn’t even like back-to-the-basket centers,” Lazenby stated.

“He (D’Antoni) wants screens set on the perimeter and everybody driving. Now they are very smart offensive people and Ben Simmons is a great screen-setter and he can probably roll to the basket. They’ll find new ways for him to get some offense to get a comfort level. Will it be enough? I don’t know,” he added.

Ironically, the name of D’Antoni was dragged into rumors of a possible move to the 76ers where he may replace current head coach Doc Rivers.

The reason behind this is that after the James Harden acquisition, Sixers executive Daryl Morey may be trying to regroup the old gang he had with the Houston Rockets.

This theory was suggested by NBA reporter Marc Stein, but it would be shot down not long after by Kyle Neubeck of the Philly Voice.

Doc River has been holding up the Sixers satisfactorily and has been one reason why Joel Embiid has been performing well.

Lastly, there is the fact that Rivers is only in the second year of a $40 million, five-year contract.

Given the progress of the Sixers as of this writing, it would be hard to fathom why Philly would embark on a coaching change at this point.