Jacque Vaughn has liked how the combo of Ben Simmons and Spencer Dinwiddie has looked when they’ve been together in the Nets’ backcourt during the preseason.
The head coach said Saturday that he envisions times when both guards will be on the floor at the same time, and times when one or the other will remain on the bench.
The duo didn’t play together last season after Dinwiddie was acquired in the Kyrie Irving deadline trade, because Simmons was sidelined with a back injury.
“I’ve tried to do a little bit of both,” Vaughn said after practice Saturday in Brooklyn. “You saw there was a spell in the last game [Thursday against Maccabi Ra’anana] when Spencer and Ben were together.
“I think Spencer has the ability to space the floor for us and shoot 3s. And so that is a weapon for us that we want to use. Those two on the floor, though, either one can get an outlet and push the ball up the floor.
“[Dinwiddie] has the ability to be a lead guard, also. So I’ll continue to play around with that.”
Vaughn added that “Spencer and Ben will play together and separately,” especially with backup point guard Dennis Smith Jr. sidelined for “at least a week” with a sprained left ankle that required a walking boot on Saturday.
Dinwiddie had 15 points and six assists in 23 minutes Thursday night, while Simmons finished with six points and nine assists in 22 minutes.
Because of the rain, the practice Saturday was moved from a nearby park to Barclays Center. It was open to season-ticket holders and featured some fan-friendly individual competitions.
Dorian Finney-Smith won the long-distance “knockout” shooting drill, defeating Mikal Bridges in the final. There also was a rookie dance competition at midcourt.
“The weather pushed us inside a little bit, which was smart,” Vaughn said. “We’ve done it in the park before, but it gives a chance to some people who haven’t been to Barclays before. So imagine getting a chance to come into Barclays, be close to the players, see us go through some drills, shooting a little bit, be around the players. Overall, a great feel and great event.”