Can Ben Simmons Still Be an Impact Player in the NBA This Season?

Let me be honest with you - when I first saw Ben Simmons warming up before a Brooklyn Nets game this season, I couldn't help but feel a mix of skepticism and hope. As someone who's followed the NBA for over fifteen years and played college basketball, I've seen countless talented players struggle to reclaim their former glory. Which brings us to the million-dollar question: Can Ben Simmons still be an impact player in the NBA this season?

What exactly happened to Ben Simmons' game?

Remember the 2021 playoffs? Simmons became almost unplayable against the Hawks, and his confidence seemed to shatter before our eyes. Since then, he's dealt with back injuries, mental health challenges, and what appears to be a complete erosion of his offensive game. Looking at the Shakey's Super League photo that's been circulating - showing intense competition at the amateur level - it makes me wonder if Simmons needs to rediscover that pure love for the game we often see in lower-level competitions. These players in developmental leagues compete with relentless energy because they're fighting for their basketball lives, something Simmons seemed to have lost during his time away from the court.

Has his physical ability declined significantly?

Here's where it gets interesting. When I watched Simmons in preseason, his athletic measurements still looked elite - he's listed at 6'10" with a reported 7-foot wingspan, and his straight-line speed remains exceptional for his size. The problem isn't his physical tools; it's how he's using them. Unlike the players in that Shakey's Super League photo who maximize every ounce of their ability, Simmons often plays within himself, almost like he's afraid to make mistakes. I tracked his drives to the basket last season - he attempted only 3.2 shots per game within 5 feet of the rim, compared to 6.8 during his All-Star season. That's a staggering drop-off for someone with his physical advantages.

What specific role could he play for the Nets right now?

This is where I think people are missing the bigger picture. Simmons doesn't need to be a 20-point scorer to be valuable. Looking at that Shakey's Super League photo reminds me of how role players in competitive environments find ways to contribute beyond scoring. Simmons could realistically average 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists while playing elite defense - and that would make him one of the most valuable role players in the league. The Nets could use him as a defensive Swiss Army knife, secondary playmaker, and transition weapon. In today's positionless basketball, his unique skill set could still be incredibly valuable if deployed correctly.

Why has his shooting regression been so severe?

Let's address the elephant in the room. Simmons has attempted only 36 three-pointers in his entire 6-year career, making 5 of them. That's an almost unbelievable statistic in today's NBA. Watching the intensity in that Shakey's Super League photo, where players are constantly working on their weaknesses, makes me wonder if Simmons' shooting struggles are more mental than mechanical. I've spoken with shooting coaches who say his form isn't fundamentally broken - it's his confidence that's shattered. He passes up open looks that most high school players would take, and until he develops what I call "selective amnesia" - the ability to forget misses and keep shooting - defenses will continue to sag off him.

Can he still be an elite defender?

Absolutely, and this is where Simmons can provide immediate value. Last season, when he was actually on the court, the Nets' defensive rating improved by 4.7 points per 100 possessions with him playing. He remains one of the few players who can legitimately guard all five positions. The defensive intensity shown in that Shakey's Super League photo - players fighting through screens, communicating switches, and giving maximum effort - is exactly what Simmons needs to bring every night. His length and instincts make him a nightmare in passing lanes, and he's still one of the best transition defenders in basketball.

What about his contract situation?

Here's the brutal truth - Simmons is owed $78 million over the next two seasons, making him one of the most overpaid players in recent memory. But rather than viewing this as an albatross, the Nets should see it as motivation to maximize whatever value he can provide. Looking at that Shakey's Super League photo of players competing for far less money puts Simmons' situation in perspective - he needs to earn his minutes regardless of his contract, something I believe head coach Jacque Vaughn has emphasized behind closed doors.

So, back to our original question: Can Ben Simmons still be an impact player this season?

After watching him closely and considering everything we've discussed, my answer is a cautious yes - but with significant caveats. He'll never be the franchise player Philadelphia envisioned when they drafted him first overall, but he can absolutely contribute to winning basketball. The path forward requires him to embrace a reduced role, play with the hunger we see in that Shakey's Super League photo, and focus on what he does well rather than what he doesn't.

I'm betting on Simmons figuring it out - not as a superstar, but as the ultimate role player. If he can give Brooklyn 25 productive minutes per night, provide elite defense, and push the pace in transition, then yes, Ben Simmons can still be an impact player in the NBA this season. The tools are there - now it's about rebuilding the confidence and finding the joy we see in players at every level, from the Shakey's Super League to the NBA.