Following the blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers and Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets, complications have arisen. While Harden has already started to flourish in his new situation, Simmons is still working his way onto the court for the first time as a member of the Nets.
With that in mind, it might be a while longer before he makes his debut in Brooklyn.
As first reported by The Athletic’s Shams Charana, Simmons is dealing with back soreness in reconditioning process that requires further strengthening of the area over a period of time before return to action.
Nets coach Steve Nash was asked about this following the report, giving a transparent answer about Simmons’ situation.
“I just saw the reports. It’s been the same process. It’s just a little soreness in his back,” said Nash on Saturday evening. “It’s not like an injury, it’s just as he’s returning to play, his back has flared up a little bit. He hasn’t played a game since June so that’s just part of his process of returning to play is as you ramp up, he’s a little sub septic to certain things as you would be with muscle soreness or tightness. He’s got a little tightness.”
While Nash considers this more of a normal occurrence after not playing for the entire season rather than an injury, it’s still something to monitor. Currently sitting at eighth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 32-29, they’re projected to be part of the play-in tournament despite having such a talented roster.
Last season, which was the last time Simmons played, he averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.9 assists per contest.
