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Spencer Dinwiddie on Ben Simmons: ‘A healthy Ben is an All-Star, max-level guy’

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James Foglio
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James Foglio Sports Editor

James is a Basketball Insiders contributor. He earned his bachelor's degree in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. James enjoys watching sports and helping gamblers win money.

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Sports Editor

Updated10 Jul 2023

Brooklyn Nets Spencer Dinwiddie on Ben Simmons A healthy Ben is an All-Star, max-level guy

Spencer Dinwiddie was asked by NBA TV’s Dennis Scott how the Brooklyn Nets can improve as a team moving forward, and the nine-year veteran believes Ben Simmons is the key. “The easy answer is Ben,” Dinwiddie said.

“A healthy Ben is an All-Star, max-level guy. He could completely change the complexion of our team and can make us a really exciting group, especially defensively.”

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“Ben was already hurt so I only played a handful of games with him,” Dinwiddie added. “But I know him from his old Philly days and for all intents and purposes he can get back to that form. I think he’s got it in him. Obviously, a young guy, and I’m looking forward to seeing it this season.”

Ben Simmons turns 27 years old next week. The three-time All-Star made 33 starts in 42 appearances with the Nets in the 2022-23 season. He averaged 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and 26.3 minutes per game while shooting a career-best 56.6% from the field and a career-low 43.9% at the foul line.

Spencer Dinwiddie believes Ben Simmons can play like an All-Star and lead the Brooklyn Nets as that “max-level guy” when healthy

In Brooklyn’s 127-115 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov. 20, the guard scored a season-high 22 points in 35 minutes as a starter. Along with logging eight rebounds, five assists, and one steal, Simmons shot 11-of-13 (84.6%) from the floor.

Moreover, 2023-24 will be a prove-it season for Simmons. In February 2022, the Philadelphia 76ers traded Simmons, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, a 2023 first-round draft pick, and a 2027 first-rounder to Brooklyn for James Harden and Paul Millsap.


The two-time All-Defensive member missed the entire 2021-22 season due to a contract holdout, back injury, and mental health issues. Simmons underwent a microdiscectomy for a herniated L-4 disk last May. This injury requires 18 months for a full recovery.

At his best, Simmons is a solid defender. However, injuries have kept the LSU product off the court. Are his best days behind him? In 79 starts with the Sixers in the 2018-19 season, Simmons averaged a career-high 16.9 points per game. The guard also averaged a career-high 2.1 steals with Philly in 2019-20.

Spencer Dinwiddie is correct on Simmons’ abilities to help Brooklyn. But the fifth-year guard has to want success as well. NBA insiders are speculating that his heart isn’t set on playing basketball right now.

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