Ben Simmons debuted for the Los Angeles Clippers in an overtime win versus the Utah Jazz. In 27 minutes off the bench, he scored 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting with seven rebounds, six assists, three steals, and a block. The Clippers won 120-116, partly because of Simmons’ contributions.
It was a good showing for Simmons after the Brooklyn Nets bought out his contract. When he became a free agent, many questioned his decision to sign with the Clippers. If this game was an indicator of what he could bring to the team, then it could work out for both parties.
Ben Simmons Debut
Simmons made his role with the Clippers clear in his debut. He is not a top option but can be a vital connecting piece and defensive presence. In his debut, Simmons made many plays that weren’t as flashy as his teammates but important, nonetheless. Firstly, Simmons was aggressive in driving to the hoop. Most of his points came on layups where he used his 6-foot-10 body and frame to get to the rim and finish. In the past, he has had moments where he’s lacked aggression. This was especially true in his scoring. Against the Jazz, he drove to the basket for points.
The point guard also showed his worth with his passing. He tallied six assists, and most of them went to James Harden and Norman Powell. Powell scored an outstanding 41 points, and Harden wasn’t far behind with 32. Simmons fed them shots off of clean passes, which added to their point totals. At this stage in his career, Simmons may not develop into the player many believed he would, but his skillset still gives him plenty of room to contribute. He adds another ball-handling option, taking a load off Harden’s shoulders while finding the open shots.
On the defensive end, he had three steals and a block. The Clippers were already one of the better defensive teams in the Western Conference, with Powell, Kawhi Leonard, Derrick Jones Jr, Ivica Zubac, and others. Simmons adds another layer to their stellar defense. It is never a bad thing to have too many good defenders on a team, so if Simmons can stay healthy, the Los Angeles defense could be lethal come playoff time.
The Clippers Potential
The Clippers hold a 31-23 record going into the All-Star break. They are the sixth seed in the Western Conference, but, as always, that is subject to change. The biggest question for Los Angeles is their health. With a core of Harden, Leonard, and the addition of Simmons, the best-case scenario is to have them all healthy for the playoffs. Powell has had an excellent season and has arguably been their best player, but without Harden and Leonard, they will not go far in the West.
When the point guard left the Nets to join the Clippers, health was the biggest question. Simmons and Leonard have their fair share of injury history, and with his age, Harden is a question mark as well. When he has been on the floor, Leonard has been solid this season. Harden has shown his worth, becoming the team’s top option and earning an All-Star appearance. Simmons was impressive in his debut, and if he can maintain that production, Los Angeles could make noise in the Western Conference. But health is the team’s biggest priority.
Final Thoughts
Simmons had a great debut for the Clippers. He showcased his role on the team as a defender and a passer and showed more aggression with his scoring. If he can keep playing well and Los Angeles can stay healthy, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be a playoff team this season.
