Nets guard Ben Simmons could return to action as soon as Monday, when Brooklyn takes on Utah, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
Simmons hasn’t appeared in a game with the Nets since suffering a lower back nerve impingement on Nov. 6. The ailment has limited him to just six games so far this season.
According to Wojnarowski, Simmons is set to practice with the Nets’ G League team in Long Island over the weekend and there’s “optimism” his return could happen as early as Monday. According to The New York Post’s Brian Lewis, coach Jacque Vaughn said Simmons is expected to be back next week (Twitter link).
While his injuries over the past few seasons have hindered his career, Simmons has been effective when he’s been able to get on the court with Brooklyn. In his six games this year, he averaged 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 31.8 minutes per game across six starts. It’s a small sample size, but it’s worth noting the Nets went 3-3 with Simmons in the lineup and have gone 14-23 since. In 48 career games (39 starts) in Brooklyn, Simmons holds averages of 6.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.2 steals.
It will be interesting to see how Simmons’ return ultimately impacts the rotation, especially ahead of the trade deadline. Vaughn began the year starting Simmons alongside Spencer Dinwiddie, Cameron Johnson, Nic Claxton and Mikal Bridges. Then, after some experimentation and injuries, Vaughn landed on using Dorian Finney-Smith in the starting five alongside those four after Simmons went down.
Dinwiddie and Finney-Smith have seen their names involved in trade rumors, for what it’s worth. Players like Dennis Smith Jr., Royce O’Neale, Lonnie Walker and Day’Ron Sharpe are among those battling for bench minutes.
In whatever form it takes, the currently 11th-seeded Nets could use the boost from getting Simmons back into form. Brooklyn acquired the former No. 1 overall pick from Philadelphia in a trade deadline deal that sent James Harden to the Sixers in 2022, but he never played that season. At one point, Simmons – a three-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Team member – was one of the best defenders in the NBA. His agent recently said his injuries were “freakish” and not something that will be a recurring problem in the future.
If Simmons isn’t able to return to action Monday against the Jazz, his next opportunity to suit up would be Wednesday versus the Suns. After that, the Nets don’t play again until Saturday, Feb. 3 in Philadelphia.
Monday of what year?
Which is most likely?
A) He has a setback in the G League
B) He comes back next week but plays six games or fewer before re-injuring himself
C) He comes back and is effective, missing just a few games the rest of the season
I’m going to vote for B. He’ll play just enough games to make it look like he cares and wants to play so he can keep cashing those checks.
Definitely B. He plays part of a half before he tweaks something and is out for another season and a half. And then he’ll use his earnings to shill some toilet paper that is advertised as the softest ever.
Trade for Derozen & Toppin?
And I could be President.
Welcome to Charlotte
The Sound of one hand clapping
Ben Simmons could be Draymond green of two years ago if he wanted to. Unfortunately it’s pretty clear that he’ll retire after this deal is up
I’ll believe it when I see it.
Only to be out on Tuesday
This boy… always hurt.. damaged goods
Yeah and I could win the lottery
Remember all those articles from right before the season about him saying this was the year he’s going to be healthy? Guys been an absolute joke I don’t think he is in the league when his contract is done.
One could argue that he’s not in the league now. He’s like a remote worker lol