While Simmons passed one benchmark being healthy by his seventh game, familiar questions remain. Friday was the 13th time in his 64 Nets games over three seasons that he’s been a reserve.

The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly preparing to part ways with Ben Simmons, as his role on the team has dwindled in light of Brooklyn’s pivot toward rebuilding. Which team is best suited to maximize the former All-Star's skill set?

Nic Claxton returned to the Nets’ starting lineup, seemingly for good, on Friday against the Boston Celtics. That meant Ben Simmons, who had started six games at center this season in place of a limited Claxton, came off the bench for the first time in 2024-25.