While Fernandez says he's not concerned about Simmons' lack of free throws, the Aussie's refusal to attack the basket as a lead ball-handler has hampered Brooklyn's offense. The Nets are scoring seven fewer points per 100 possessions with Simmons on the floor, the worst on/off swing of any player to play over 200 minutes.

Their absence has had a trickle-down effect. It has not only left the Nets vulnerable on the boards and in the paint, but also taken Ben Simmons out of the one position in which he’s comfortable and forced him to play somewhere he’s clearly ineffective.