Nets to continue dual-point presentation with Ben Simmons and Dennis Schroder
Nets guard Dennis Schroder, right, controls the ball next to guard Ben Simmons, left, and Los Angeles Clippers guard Terance Mann during the first half of an NBA preseason game Tuesday in Oceanside, Calif. Credit: AP/Ryan Sun
Early in Nets training camp, there was mystery over who would start at point guard between Ben Simmons and Dennis Schroder. The answer came Tuesday with both.
Simmons and Schroder started together in the Nets’ preseason opening loss against the Clippers. They combined for eight assists in the first half. For now, expect the pairing to continue when the Nets host the Wizards on Monday.
“I'm happy with the way we played as a group. We started with two point guards, and we're gonna do it again,” coach Jordi Fernandez said Friday after practice. "I think that the combinations were fine. Obviously, we struggled rebounding, and it's something we addressed.
“Are we smaller? Maybe, yes, but we got to do a better job finding bodies and hitting bodies and finishing possessions.”
It took the Nets time to adjust. They fell behind 12-0 to the Clippers because players had to get used to playing with Simmons. They didn’t always leak out to the corners whenever Simmons raced out in transition and looked for shooters.
In their defense, it was Simmons’ first action since Feb. 26 due to his lingering back issues. But in the second quarter, things looked smoother. Simmons was comfortable finding teammates in the half-court and Schroder found his rhythm with three of his five assists. The Nets erased an 18-point deficit during the period to lead by two at halftime. The Clippers eventually prevailed, 115-106.
Time will decide if the pairing is a long-term fit. The Nets were outrebounded 20-16 in the first half before the starters rested in the second.
Schroder, however, thinks the lineups can work because he’s comfortable playing with another point guard.
“In OKC, I played with two point guards, Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander] and CP [Chris Paul], and myself,” Schroder said. “After that, I played with LeBron [James, on the Lakers] … Then I played with Marcus Smart, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown [in Boston]. I always find my way. Whatever it takes for the team to get done, I will do it.”
One benefit is creating size mismatches. Both Schroder and Simmons can push the pace and Schroder is another willing shooter for Simmons. With Nic Claxton out with hamstring soreness, Simmons defended in the post and it put him closer to rebounds so he could initiate the offense.
However, it’s still a work in progress for the duo and their teammates. They’ll have time to iron out the kinks with three preseason games next week.
The early returns, though, are promising that the point guard battle can be a collaboration as much as a competition.
“It doesn't really matter because we all can play any position on the court and [Fernandez] let that be known that we can be in any position on the court,” Dorian Finney-Smith said. "So having two guys out there who can make good decisions, it helps, especially in transition.”
Notes & quotes: Fernandez said Claxton’s status is uncertain for next week’s preseason games. The goal remains to have him ready by the season opener … .Killian Hayes (hip soreness) is also still being assessed after not playing Tuesday.
Evan Barnes covers the Nets for Newsday. He previously covered Memphis football and the Memphis Grizzlies and also covered prep sports in Los Angeles.
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