After moving on from James Harden ahead of the NBA trade deadline, a lot is riding on the ability for Ben Simmons to return to the Brooklyn Nets’ lineup and make a significant impact.
Simmons, who has yet to appear in a single game for the Nets yet, remains sidelined as he continues to ramp up his conditioning to get into game shape.
Nets coach Steve Nash mentioned recently that Simmons’ back has “flared up a little” but it’s not an actual injury. It’ll just be a process for Simmons to get back to the physical level he needs to be since not playing in June.
“It’s not like an injury,” Nash said. “It’s just kind of like as he’s returning to play, his back’s flared up a little. It’s not like a long-term thing.”
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“He hasn’t played a game since June. I think that’s just a part of his process of returning to play. As you ramp up, you’re a little bit susceptible to certain things, as you would be with muscle soreness or tightness.”
The Nets are expected to have Kevin Durant back in the lineup sometime during the upcoming week. There’s also been optimism about New York City dropping the COVID-19 vaccine mandate—enabling Kyrie Irving to emerge as having full-time status once again.
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Even when Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving are back in the fold, Ben Simmons will be tasked with playing a significant role in a situation that has very little margin for error given the Brooklyn Nets’ recent struggles. His defensive versatility and passing will be needed.
Where there certainly are questions with Ben Simmons lies in his shooting. Has he improved to being a serviceable free throw shooter once again? If not, it’ll be challenging to play an interior-oriented role where he uses his size against smaller guards or is a play-finisher setting screens and cutting.
