The Brooklyn Nets are heading in a new direction after trading Dennis Schröder to the Golden State Warriors. Schröder, known for his deliberate playstyle, ranked among the bottom ten slowest point guards in the league in terms of pace. His departure clears the way for Ben Simmons to take over as the full-time point guard, and head coach Jordi Fernandez is optimistic about the change.

“Dennis was in the bottom ten slowest point guards in the NBA—pace doesn’t mean you’re better or worse—and Ben is 18th-fastest,” Fernandez said. “We’re going to try to play faster. The ball is going to fly. He’s going to push. He’s going to throw it ahead.”

This season, Simmons has quietly been putting together solid numbers, averaging 8.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. While his scoring remains modest, his ability to facilitate and thrive in transition is what the Nets hope to capitalize on. Simmons has always shown flashes of brilliance as a lead ball-handler in his time with the Sixers, and now with the Nets committing to a faster pace, his skill set could be fully unlocked again.

The Nets currently hold a 12-15 record, leaving them outside the playoff picture but within striking distance of the play-in tournament. The shift to an up-tempo offense could be the spark they need. Simmons’ vision and passing in the open court may create more scoring opportunities for shooters like Cam Thomas and Cam Johnson. However, questions remain about his ability to stretch the floor and how opponents might exploit his lack of shooting in a half-court setting.

If the Nets can embrace this new identity and play to Simmons’ strengths, they could climb the standings and make a push for the Play-In Tournament spot.