NBA News: Ben Simmons Will Have Little Excuse Not To Improve In Brooklyn

KEY POINTS

Steve Nash will hold a key role in the development of Ben Simmons
Simmons's form is in question after sitting out most of the season
Simmons will have to fit in, playing alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Ben Simmons got his wish of moving to a new team in what is perhaps the top story of the NBA trade deadline brouhaha.

The Philadelphia 76ers dealt the disgruntled Australian cager to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden.

The 2018 NBA MVP will reunite with Sixers president Daryl Morey, something most speculated as happening either by the NBA trade deadline or in the summer.

The trade was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic. The deal also included Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, a 2022 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported.

From here, it will be interesting if Simmons can show some improvement alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Simmons has his work cut out for him with questions in the air if he is in shape.

It will be recalled that prior to the NBA trade deadline frenzy, The Basketball League president David Magley weighed in on the 6-foot-11 cager and mentioned how the right coach could get the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year on the right track.

“I think he (Simmons) is a wonderfully gifted young man that needs the right coach to get in his head and work with him. The right guy will make a big difference for him. But it’s gotta be someone who has a lot of grace and patience. And he’s got to know that they believe in him," Magley stated when he appeared on the Sports For All PH podcast hosted by Vincent Juico and Brian Yalung.

Given the wealth of experience that Nets coach Steve Nash carries, there is no doubt that criticism on shooting and leadership are expected to be addressed.

The Canadian mentor is a two-time NBA MVP and eight-time All-Star, more than enough credentials that can help Simmons in his evolution.

For the Nets, Harden was joined by Paul Millsap, someone who was already expected to be on the way out.

Many pundits believe that the Nets were wary of the Harden situation next summer.

The 32-year-old guard is on an expiring deal, and there was no assurance that he would commit to the Nets despite saying he loved being in Brooklyn.