In the Brooklyn Nets' 107-105 win over the New Orleans Pelicans last night, Ben Simmons thrived on both sides of the court. The 28-year-old put up six points, five rebounds, 12 assists, and two steals on 3-of-5 shooting. Simmons did so in 22 minutes.

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.

Ben Simmons is still getting used to playing with his Nets teammates, and they’re getting used to running with him. But as he settled into his role of leading the second unit, they’re starting to show signs of long-delayed progress.

The NBA world has been waiting for Ben Simmons to show that he can still play basketball at the level he once did. Unfortunately for the New Orleans Pelicans, i