Ben Simmons still sees himself as a playmaker, both literally and figuratively. That means playing lead guard and being a leader on the Nets.

Brooklyn coach Jacque Vaughn envisions Simmons the same way…if he earns it. And he’s expressed as much, first to Simmons and then to the press.

Despite his size and athleticism (when healthy) having seen him deployed in myriad roles, Simmons has always considered himself a point guard.

And after Vaughn and general manager Sean Marks made multiple visits to South Florida over the summer to see Simmons during his rehab from back woes, Vaughn came away from those meet-ups with a similar vision, agreeing to play the 27-year-old there — as long as his play warrants it.