The Brooklyn Nets are heading in
a new direction after trading Dennis Schröder to the Golden State
Warriors. Schröder, known for his deliberate playstyle, ranked
among the bottom ten slowest point guards in the league in terms of
pace. His departure clears the way for Ben Simmons to take over as
the full-time point guard, and head coach Jordi Fernandez is
optimistic about the change.

“Dennis was in the bottom ten
slowest point guards in the NBA—pace doesn’t mean you’re better or
worse—and Ben is 18th-fastest,” Fernandez said. “We’re going to try
to play faster. The ball is going to fly. He’s going to push. He’s
going to throw it ahead.”

This season, Simmons has quietly
been putting together solid numbers, averaging 8.5 points, 7.3
rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. While his scoring remains
modest, his ability to facilitate and thrive in transition is what
the Nets hope to capitalize on. Simmons has always shown flashes of
brilliance as a lead ball-handler in his time with the Sixers, and
now with the Nets committing to a faster pace, his skill set could
be fully unlocked again.

The Nets currently hold a 12-15
record, leaving them outside the playoff picture but within
striking distance of the play-in tournament. The shift to an
up-tempo offense could be the spark they need. Simmons’ vision and
passing in the open court may create more scoring opportunities for
shooters like Cam Thomas and Cam Johnson. However, questions remain
about his ability to stretch the floor and how opponents might
exploit his lack of shooting in a half-court setting.

If the Nets can embrace this new
identity and play to Simmons’ strengths, they could climb the
standings and make a push for the Play-In Tournament
spot.