Nets Notes: Lottery Prospects, Evbuomwan, Simmons, Russell, Johnson, Watford

From a draft standpoint is Nets won by losing Sunday night in Utah, but the players were not happy with the result, writes Brian Lewis of The New York Post. They scored the final six points of regulation to force overtime, but saw the game slip away as Isaiah Collier drove for an almost uncontested layup in the final seconds.

“I know it’s kind of like a rebuilding situation, but we’ve got to go in there like we’re going to win, regardless of what the front office expects,” Ben Simmons said.

The Nets have been on a downward trajectory lately that has coincided with management’s decisions to trade away Dennis Schroeder and Dorian Finney-Smith as part of a long-term redevelopment project. They are 2-10 in their last 12 games and have moved from 15th to sixth in the lottery over the past month.

“We should have won, but we just have to keep chopping,” Nic Claxton added. “We lost a lot and everyone is tired of losing. They put all their players out and we still lost.”

There’s more on the Nets:

• Tosan Evbuomwan has been a huge addition since signing a two-way contract at the start of the month, Lewis said in a separate history. The sophomore forward scored a career-high 22 points Sunday night and was often on the court late in the overtime contest. Evbuomwan is averaging 11.2 points and 4.2 rebounds through his five games in net. “Awesome…always under control,” coach Jordi Fernandez said. “Looks like a guy who’s been there before and he’s 23. Very happy to see him, keep working with him, keep developing him. He’s doing his job.”
• Simmons left the game midway through overtime after exceeding his minutes limit, Lewis adds. He played more than 31 minutes, which is more than the team’s medical staff wants to see given his recent physical history. “Ben, I’m sure if I asked him he’d be in, but at the same time we know where we started this summer.” Fernandez said. “We know where we are right now. We like the development and we will continue to do so. We will first do what is best for him, his body and then for the team.” Simmons has not been cleared to play in back-to-back games and will likely sit out Tuesday at Portland or Wednesday against the Clippers.
• Fernandez could not offer specific return dates for D’Angelo Russellwho missed his fourth straight game with a right shin contusion, or Cameron Johnsonwho sat out for the fifth time in a row with a sprained right ankle, Lewis adds another piece. “Yes, they have done their work and they are daily,” Fernandez said. “But we’re happy with what we’re seeing and how they’re performing. Obviously, they’re in the group. It’s Trendon (Watford). And it’s just good to have them around and have some sweat and watch them work.Watford, who has a strained left hamstring, is not expected to return to action during the current road trip.