John Carter. The Lone Ranger. Dark Phoenix. Gigli. Flops happen on opening night from time to time. And so too was it for Ben Simmons in his Brooklyn Nets debut. In the first game that counted in his new uniform, the former first overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers recorded just two points, five rebounds, five assists, three turnovers, and six personal fouls in 23 minutes of the Nets’ 130-108 loss at home to the New Orleans Pelicans.
To be fair, last night was Simmons’ first real game since June 20, 2021. There was bound to be a certain amount of rust to shake off.