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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The addition of Ben Simmons to a roster boasting both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving marked a pivotal period for the Brooklyn Nets. The euphoria although lasted for a short time as both the NBA champions left soon enough. Following that, Simmon’s dreams came crashing down quickly, as the duo left him stranded in New York City.

Months after that misery, a 30-year-old teammate still showcased faith in the ability of Ben. He recently had high praise for his colleague as he backed the 27-year-old publicly.

What did the teammate say about Ben Simmons?

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On the Nets’ media day, Spencer Dinwiddie talked candidly about his franchise with the YES Network. Upon being asked about Simmon’s ability to turn things around for the squad, the point guard backed the Australian. “To a certain degree, this is Ben’s team,” he mentioned, highlighting the talisman of the roster.

Dinwiddie himself has spent only about half a season with the 3-time All-Star but still showcased belief in his quality. He stated, “We go as far as he goes,” while talking about the reliance of the team on their forward. For that to happen, Spencer suggested a few things, one of which was being more proactive on the court.

“If he’s aggressive and making plays, we have a chance to be good,” the Californian pointed out. When the hosts countered the Brooklyn star and showed doubts, Dinwiddie refused to move an inch. He declared, “I think it’s there,” showing his utter faith in Simmons as the team entered their pre-season.

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When the former Rookie of the Year first arrived in New York, he expected things to go differently. Since then though, his career went from worse to miserable. With so many question marks over his future and doubts over his quality, he needs to create something fresh.

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The post-Kevin Durant Brooklyn Nets era

Durant played a massive role in assembling a super team at the Nets. So, his departure marked a significant change in the operations of the organization. Irving left soon after for Texas as the franchise acquired Spencer in the process. Since then, the team’s performances have been up and down, without much promise for a change.

So, Dinwiddie’s trust in the team, and especially in Ben, is exactly what the roster needs. The squad has been under the limelight too often since the last year. It’s now time for them to pick up the pieces and fight with a high-potential team.

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Their failures in the past few seasons must have taught them valuable lessons. The moment has arrived for the franchise to put them to great use.