For Steve Nash, a bad night from Ben Simmons doesn’t mean the end of the world for the Brooklyn Nets.
Nash acknowledges the fact that Simmons looked rusty in the Nets’ 130-108 Game 1 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday, but reiterates that their support as a team will not fade with the embattled star forward.
He also noted that despite a lousy performance, Simmons still gave some glimpses of what an all-around machine he is.
“I just think he’s rusty,” coach Nash told reporters of Simmons’ poor Nets debut. via ESPN’s Nick Friedell. “The boy hasn’t played in over a year. He is still getting used to the referees, the defense, the offense.
“This is a process for Ben… He’s obviously shown glimpses of the player we know he is and can be, but it’s not easy. We are here to support him.”
Simmons, who missed all of last season due to a back injury and a controversial matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers, had an unpleasant evening in front of the Barclays Center crowd. He was absent early after committing fouls in 23 minutes of play, scoring four points, five rebounds, five assists and three turnovers.
But with the matchup being the first of 82 regular-season games in total, Simmons still has more opportunity to bounce back and get to grips with his conditioned form.
Friday’s fight against the Toronto Raptors could serve its purpose in helping him get on the road to much-needed redemption.