The Brooklyn Nets have already parted ways with veteran point guard Dennis Schroder, as reports indicate that the Golden State Warriors have secured a deal to acquire him. While Schroder’s departure would leave a gap in the Nets’ lineup, head coach Jordi Fernandez believes the team could benefit from Ben Simmons stepping into a full-time starting point guard role.
Fernandez highlighted Simmons’ ability to bring speed and tempo to the Nets’ offense, something Schroder lacked by comparing the two guards. Fernandez also noted the importance of pushing the pace, which Simmons’ quickness naturally enables.
“Dennis was bottom ten slowest point guards in the NBA—pace doesn’t mean you’re better or worse – and Ben is the 18th-fastest. So, right there is the answer. We’re going to try to play faster,” Fernandez said, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post.
Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez says the team plans to play at a faster pace with Ben Simmons as the full-time point guard
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) December 16, 2024
“Dennis was bottom ten slowest point guards in the NBA – pace doesn't mean you're better or worse – and Ben is 18th-fastest…We're going to try to… pic.twitter.com/knvZCOcqpp
“The ball is going to fly; he’s going to push, he’s going to throw it ahead, and we have more opportunities to get those shots early in the clock. The high-quality shots,” he added.
Schroder, in his last season with the Nets, has played 23 regular-season games so far. In those games, he has averaged 18.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game.
Jordi Fernandez Looks To Increase Ben Simmons’ Role
Despite having early criticism from many fans regarding his injury and lackluster performance, Ben Simmons has proved his dominance most recently on the court while leading the Nets to a surprising 10-15 start. After seeing such a dominant performance from the Nets star, Jordi Fernandez felt motivated to increase Simmons’ minutes on the court.
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“I think my restriction right now is 27. I think it’s around that. So hopefully that changes soon,” Simmons said.
Simmons is in his third season with Brooklyn after a stellar career with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 28-year-old star is averaging 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game this season.
