Steve Nash highlights Brooklyn Nets' expectations from Ben Simmons - "That's a little bit of the rust... You can see him trying at times"

Ben Simmons has had a rough start to his tenure with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets have a 1-2 record so far, while Simmons is averaging 5.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists per game. He has yet to attempt more than five shots in a game and has already fouled out twice.

Expected to turn the Nets defense around, through three games, Brooklyn ranks 28th and 30th in opponents points per game and defensive rating, respectively. Nets head coach Steve Nash shared what he expects to see Simmons change.

Nash was asked if Simmons needs to attack the paint more by Brian Lewis of the New York Post.

"Yes. That's a little bit of the rust... You can see him trying at times and that's great," Nash said. "We want to keep pushing him to try to break through and force the issue a little at times, even if he makes mistakes."

The Nets need more out of Simmons on both ends if they expect to seriously contend for an NBA title.

Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are both playing great basketball, averaging 32.0 and 27.3 points per game, respectively. Brooklyn is hopeful that Simmons can knock off the rust and return to the player that he was during his tenure in Philadelphia.

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Ben Simmons critical of referees after fouling out for the second time in three games

Ben Simmons fouled out of the Brooklyn Nets' 134-124 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. His sixth foul was questionable at best, and marked the second time that Simmons has fouled out in Brooklyn's first three games of 2022-2023.

Following the game, Ben Simmons did not hold back when discussing his sixth foul.

“It wasn’t a foul. He called it a foul, made a mistake. It is what it is. Really frustrating, but all I can do now is support my team from the bench, but f**k yeah it’s frustrating. It’s not a foul, that was bulls**t.

"It’s frustrating because it’s a late game, it’s fourth quarter, it’s a physical close game. It’s the NBA. This is not college. It’s not high school. Some people are going to get hit, some people will bleed. It’s basketball.”

Ben Simmons has had a difficult start to the season, but it is not hard to see why he was upset with the foul call. At the time of the whistle, it appeared that minimal contact on the play was initiated by Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant.

Despite the tough call, Simmons has to play better. He entered the season with a lot to prove after sitting out the entire 2021-2022 season. Rather than coming out strong and quieting the noise, Simmons' slow start has only increased the chatter and questions surrounding his ability.