Shaquille O’Neal on What Ben Simmons Needs to Do When Resuming NBA Basketball

Shaquille O’Neal has left behind an NBA legacy and knows how a team can win championships. Although he would win 3 titles as the Lakers’ frontman, upon his move to Miami, he would become the number two to Dwyane Wade and helped Miami win its first-ever title. So it’s quite clear that he knows when to be dominant and when to make sacrifices.

In light of his championship-winning expertise, Shaq explained Ben Simmons’ role and responsibility as a player of the Brooklyn Nets. He shed light on what Simmons needs to do while playing alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, to help his team become successful.

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Shaquille O’Neal Speaks on Ben Simmons

The massive trade deadline deal between the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets took the world by storm. It was an exchange of stars between the two franchises. While the Sixers received James Harden, the Nets got Ben Simmons. In light of this trade, Shaq explained what Simmons would need to do once he resumed playing.

“Ben is not the guy that you can say, ‘You’re the number one. You’re the number two.’ Right now he’s number three,” said Shaq.

He explained that Simmons, as the third star of the new trio, would have to make plays for KD and Kyrie, while also playing defense. Furthermore, he spoke about Simmons’ performances without having a jump shot.

“He’s already been averaging 18 without the jumper, and he got $40 million without the jumper. So, ‘Hey. If you ain’t been working on it, do what you do,'” explained Shaq.

Can the Nets mount a comeback?

Clearly, it is evident that a sense of team basketball is needed in Brooklyn rather than isolation plays from the stars on the team. As explained by Shaq, Simmons’ strong rebounding, defense, and playmaking can help him fit in well with the Nets roster.

So it’s not quite necessary for the former Sixer to have a jump shot in his arsenal. However, if he does bring a jump shot to the table, then the sky is the limit for the Nets.

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