Ben Simmons will not be available to the Brooklyn Nets in the current regular season and probably also in the play-in tournament. Head coach Steve Nash is still hoping for a Simmons comeback in the playoffs.
On Monday, the 25-year-old was at least able to throw and do light workouts during an individual training session. But: “He can’t run again yet,” said Coach Nash, who explained with regard to a possible comeback to the play-in tournament: “I don’t see that he will be ready. I would be shocked.”
Nevertheless, Nash was pleased with the progress of the newcomer. Simmons arrived in Brooklyn just before the trade deadline as part of the James Harden blockbuster from Philadelphia, but has not played a game for the Nets due to back problems. He had previously refused to play for the Sixers because of mental problems. Simmons has not yet played a game this season.
However, Coach Nash was hopeful that the Australian could still make his Nets debut in the course of the playoffs. “It’s a big step forward for him. He hasn’t done anything on the court before, but at least he’s started shooting lightly now,” Nash said. “On the one hand, that’s very positive. But on the other hand, it’s not like we’re expecting him back in the lineup next week.”
For a Simmons comeback in the postseason, Brooklyn would first have to secure a playoff ticket. The Nets are currently only tenth in the Eastern Conference with 40 wins and 38 losses. As of today, Brooklyn would have to win two games in the play-in tournament to still qualify for the playoffs.
Kevin Durant: Injury is the reason for the weak Nets season
Superstar Kevin Durant also blamed his knee injury in mid-January for the poor record. “Honestly, our season derailed with my injury,” KD said after Monday’s training session. “So I don’t think we’re a bad basketball team. There wasn’t a lot of continuity with me and Kyrie being out [Irving]. When we’re all on the court, I like what we have.”
Durant missed a good month and a half with a knee injury, and Irving was unavailable for home games for much of the season due to his refusal to get vaccinated. The point guard only makes 25 appearances in 2021/22, Durant has played 51 games. In the games without KD, Brooklyn has a record of 8-19.
