Nets HC Jordi Fernandez wants Ben Simmons to score more

Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons is healthy after playing in six of the team’s seven games to start the season. The Australian was effective for the Nets in more than just the scoring department, averaging 6.0 rebounds and 6.2 assists per game.

However, Simmons’ production has been lackluster, and it’s not a matter of ineffectiveness. He is averaging 5.8 points on 61.5% shooting. The shooting, as many basketball fans familiar with Simmons know, happens just a few feet from the basket.

Brooklyn head coach Jordi Fernandez kept it simple when speaking to the media following Saturday’s 106-92 loss to the Detroit Pistons. According to Eric Slater in a press release, Fernandez wants more shooting from Simmons as he averages 24.3 minutes per game.

“I want him to score more. My goal for him is 10 (shots per game),” Fernandez said. “He has to find a way to get there. He hasn’t achieved it, but I know he can do it… These attempts have to be active… He is more than capable.”

Simmons has been a great offensive player throughout his NBA career. When he is not seeking to facilitate an attack, he is chopping; descended the mountain at an impressive speed despite his 6ft 10in height.

Simmons came into the league with promise and won the Rookie of the Year award in 2018. He made three straight All-Star Games with the Philadelphia 76ers and was a consistent top-tier defenseman before getting injured and changing teams for the last three. years.

Now that he appears to be healthy, the hope is that Simmons can revive his career in some capacity, becoming a major contributor to the Nets’ rebuild. He’s been effective outside of the scoring department so far, but if he hits more shots, it could really get the league’s attention.

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