Steve Nash attempted to lower the bar regarding the expectations for Ben Simmons early in the season.
The head coach of the Brooklyn Nets said the franchise should take it slow with the former All-Star and give him as much playing time as needed to help him return to top form.
“We’ll be patient with Ben because he is an incredibly talented and unique player, but he’s not going to be at his best in the short term and he’s just got to continue to slog through this period of returning to play and getting his confidence, timing and rhythm back.
I think for Ben a lot of it is not just the understanding, it’s the reps. He hasn’t played for a long time. He’s coming off of back surgery, so I think there’s some periods of indecision and confidence that he has to gain from playing. All of us do.
We can’t take that much time off, join a new group and just figure it out Day 1, so he needs time,” Steve Nash told media after Tuesday’s practice, via Nick Friedell of ESPN.
Simmons tried to keep perspective after the game: "This is Game 2. What did I play? 25 minutes? What did I have the last game? 12 minutes, 18 minutes? So, it's been a year. I'm coming back. Give me some time, man." He smiled at the end — he's confident he will catch his rhythm.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) October 7, 2022
Ben Simmons has played in two preseason games so far and has spent a combined 44 minutes on the floor.
He is now getting ready for the Nets’ season opener next Wednesday, October 19, when Brooklyn hosts the New Orleans Pelicans.