‘Best in years’: Ben thrilled with ‘amazing’ return; freakish No.1 pick already scaring NBA — Wrap

Scores don’t imply a lot within the preseason, however sights do.

And the picture of Ben Simmons not simply enjoying however enjoying effectively is an auspicious one.

Brooklyn suffered a 129-126 loss to the Lakers at T-Mobile Arena on Monday evening (US time).

But extra vital than the scoreboard watching was whether or not the oft-injured Simmons handed the attention take a look at in his first reside motion since February.

He did so with flying colors.

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Returning from a nerve impingement that wrecked final season, Simmons had 10 factors, three assists and a steal in 14:07 encouraging first-half minutes.

“[It felt] amazing. That’s really it, just amazing. Happy to be out there, and compete, and feel good out there and able to contribute like I know how I can. So I felt great,” Simmons mentioned. “It’s the best in two years for sure. Definitely.”

Simmons — who hadn’t performed since Feb. 15 as a consequence of again woes — regarded lively, athletic and aggressive earlier than sitting the second half, together with all of the starters apart from Cam Thomas.

“He attacked the rim, I think he played with pace, looked pretty natural out there getting up and down the floor, communicating with guys into the flow of the game. Really good to see,” coach Jacque Vaughn mentioned. “So, some really good minutes.’

Simmons took LeBron James off the dribble for a driving layup on his second touch of the night, got up higher on a dunk than he did at any point since joining the Nets, and was confident enough to try things (even when they didn’t come off, like his behind-the-back pass that sailed out of bounds).

“Very encouraging,” Vaughn mentioned. “In the past, of some of the things he’s been able to do, and some of that, the behind-the-back, that’s part of his game. I understand that. And the pace that he plays with, unscripted and having a flair in the flow to his game, those things we want him to get back to doing was instinctive basketball. I think you saw some of that, and definitely a positive direction for him.”

If Simmons had been wholesome final season, sources instructed The Post that Kevin Durant probably would’ve stayed on in Brooklyn even with out Kyrie Irving.

Now the Nets can solely hope to get Simmons again to his outdated self to type a constructing block alongside Mikal Bridges, who arrived within the Durant commerce.

After lacking all of 2021-22 with psychological well being woes and a nasty again, Simmons had a microdiscectomy for a herniated L-4 disk on May 5, 2022.

He rushed again too early and averaged profession lows of simply 6.9 factors, 6.3 boards and 6.1 assists in 42 ineffective appearances earlier than being shut down.

Now again after a powerful camp, Simmons has dislodged Spencer Dinwiddie from the purpose guard spot.

Clearly enjoying Simmons alongside fellow non-shooter Nic Claxton induced some spacing points that had been exacerbated by Cam Johnson’s unhealthy hamstring. That’s a piece in progress.

Thomas had 26 factors in a uncommon begin, however Bridges struggled with out that spacing.

The slasher mustered simply eight factors in 15:19, capturing 2-for-7 and ending a team-worst minus-11.

And the Nets additionally struggled adjusting to enjoying drop protection.

A Bridges turnover led to a Rui Hachimura dunk and a 66-47 deficit with 3:10 left within the second half.

Thomas pulled them even at 88-all, they usually took a 126-125 lead on a finger roll by ex-Laker Lonnie Walker IV.

But rookie Jalen Wilson acquired blocked and it led to Maxwell Lewis go-ahead dunk. After Trendon Watford was whistled for an offensive foul, Colin Castleton iced it on a layup with 49.9 seconds to play.

Still, Simmons’ play was a optimistic.

“I was excited. So excited. Just blessed to be able to come out here and play at a high level,” Simmons mentioned. “It’s exciting. I get to play in the NBA. It’s a great job.”

“I’ve known how it felt for a while now and I’ve worked really hard to put myself in this position. So I know I’m ready. I know I’m more than ready to be here and able to compete and help this team win.”

This article was initially printed on the New York Post and was republished with permission.

FREAKISH NO.1 PICK ALREADY SCARING NBA

French prodigy Victor Wembanyama scored 20 factors in a formidable pre-season debut for the San Antonio Spurs towards Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday (US time).

Wembanyama, the 19-year-old No.1 draft choose from Paris who’s being tipped as a generational NBA expertise, produced some dazzling moments of ability in a slim 122-121 defeat on the street.

Wembanyama completed with 20 factors from 8-of-13 capturing with 5 rebounds, two steals and a block.

Despite spending solely 19min 22sec on courtroom, the 7ft 3in French teenager was capable of give loads of glimpses of the mix of measurement and ability that has induced a lot pleasure since his arrival within the NBA.

A chic spin transfer and layup that bamboozled the Oklahoma City protection halfway by way of the second interval caught the attention, whereas on the different finish a outstanding block on Jalen Williams within the first quarter showcased his defensive abilities.

“I thought he was fine,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich mentioned of Wembanyama’s show.

“No big game plan for him or anything like that. He just went out and played basketball which he likes to do and he’s good at.

“We’re still figuring out where we can take most advantage of his abilities. I’m not sure he’s even sure. But he’s a smart guy so he’ll figure it out even if I don’t.

“We corrected him on some things tonight, mostly on the defensive end. But that’s expected for all new players, coming into the league.”

Wembanyama in the meantime was glad together with his opening efficiency.

“In terms of the game it’s what I expected,” Wembanyama mentioned. “I’m very hopeful, because we had some great sequences in the first half.

“I’m a rookie, so what I’ve got to do is play hard, give 100 percent… I was just trying to put energy at all times. But I can do better.”

Wembanyama’s efficiency was matched by the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren. Holmgren was the second total choose within the 2022 Draft however missed everything of his debut season with a foot damage.

Holmgren completed with 21 factors and 9 rebounds.

“They’re going to be a lot of fun for everybody to watch over their careers,” Popovich mentioned of Wembanyama and Holmgren.

San Antonio tackle Miami on Friday of their subsequent pre-season recreation, with their opening match of the common season coming at residence on October 25 towards Dallas.