“I kind of look at it like Draymond somewhat as far as the stats” – 8X NBA all-star believes Ben Simmons will improve Nets' offense by mirroring Draymond Green's playing style

Ben Simmons is well aware of the fact that all eyes will be on him this season. After a disappointing season opener on Wednesday, NBA legend Vince Carter spoke about Simmons' stat line. Simmons scored four points, five assists and five rebounds in a 130-108 loss against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Carter spoke about the performance on the latest episode of ESPN's "Get Up:"

"He hasn't played in a long time, so he has to get those NBA legs and get that feel back. Yes, basketball is basketball. But when you talk about this level of play guarding elite athletes. You know, you have to get yourself back acclimated to the way the game."

The way Carter sees things, the stat line reminded him of Draymond Green:

"I kind of look at it like Draymond somewhat as far as the stats. The points aren't what I'm looking for, but his rebounds, his assist, his affect on the defensive end.

"I think that's where we're gonna see him make, you know, make strides and make the Nets better. Because he's going to defend the best player whether it's a guard or big."

After a torrid final playoff appearance with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021, Simmons had to sit out last season with mental health and back issues. He was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in last season's trade tradeline.

Although the team initially hoped Ben Simmons would play alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in last season's playoffs, he couldn't recover in time. With Simmons now healthy, the onus is on him to put up some great performances for the Nets.

Check out Vince Carter's comments in the video below, beginning right before the three-minute mark:

Ben Simmons foul trouble a concern for Nets

Ben Simmons' impact on the floor extends beyond the stat sheet. However, it's hard to ignore the fact that he fouled out in the first game of the season. According to Vince Carter, it's because Simmons got tired and put himself in tough positions.

Ben Simmons has played just one game for the Nets, and it's too early to predict how the remainder of his season will go. Thee team will look to put the loss behind them as they take on the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

Looking at the box score for the Nets-Pelicans game, it's apparent that the team needs the bench players to step up. Only one player, Patty Mills (16), managed to score in double-digits. Day'Ron Sharpe, Edmond Sumner and Cam Thomas all played more than 13 minutes, but failed to impact the game.

As the season progresses, the Nets could make a midseason trade to bolster their reserves.