It's been a tough start to the season for Ben Simmons, the former All-Star still finding his feet after playing just 15 games during the 2023-24 campaign.
Simmons has been consistent, if not incredibly productive during the first stretch of the season, finding his role in a Brooklyn team torn between contending for the play-in and shoring up their draft position.
But a recent injury to Nets' leading scorer Cam Thomas could open up opportunity for Simmons, as he strives to return to his former All-NBA self.
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Cam Thomas injury could clear path for Simmons emergence
Simmons is currently averaging career lows in both points per game (5.3), field goal makes (2.5) and field goal attempts (4.6), as he struggles to carve out a role on offence.
One reason for the lower shot attempts is that there are simply less to go around, due to Cam Thomas' explosive scoring start to the season - currently averaging 24.7 points per game on 8.1-17.5 shooting (46.1%).
But Thomas, the 14th-ranked scorer in the league, is now set to be sidelined for around a month due to a hamstring injury, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Brooklyn Nets rising star Cam Thomas will miss three to four weeks due to a left hamstring strain, sources told ESPN. Thomas ranks 14th in the NBA in scoring, averaging career highs of 24.7 points on 46.1% shooting from the field and 38.9% from 3. pic.twitter.com/x0W20uCnAT
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 27, 2024
This will now leave around 30 minutes of playing time per game to be filled, as well as Thomas' scoring load, meaning fellow Nets players will need to step up, one of whom could be Simmons.
While his scoring abilities have seemed muted of late, he is no stranger to racking up points, averaging as many as 16.9 per game during his All-Star seasons.
First, he will need to show a willingness to take these shots, something he has struggled with in the past, carrying an unfortunate tendency to pass up what should be easy makes.
But if he can rediscover his groove, the Nets may find themselves with another solid scoring option, and a much more successful team than initially thought.
