Ben Simmons, Blake Griffin, Brooklyn Nets. (Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
Ben Simmons has yet to suit up for the Brooklyn Nets since being trade at the deadline.
While Ben Simmons is an All-Star when he is healthy, he has yet to play a game for the Brooklyn Nets since being traded over there.
Simmons has not been cleared for practice since joining Brooklyn. He is dealing with back soreness and has not played for the Nets since being dealt in a trade involving James Harden on Feb. 10. While the 76ers are pushing for the best record in the Eastern Conference, Brooklyn is hovering around .500 and will likely have to take part in the play-in tournament.
The last time Simmons played in an NBA game that mattered, the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated by the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Ben Simmons still waits to recover from back soreness to make Nets debut
“He’s just doing some light shooting and just physical therapy,” said Nets head coach Steve Nash on Monday ahead of Brooklyn’s loss to the Atlantic Division rival Toronto Raptors. “Just making sure that he gets that back 100 percent, just that little flare-up, and while he does shooting and his reconditioning stuff that he’s able to do while that thing settles down.”
While the Nets are hopeful Simmons can return to action before too long, he will not practice for the rest of the week.
While there are some skeptics out there who believe Simmons is faking his injury, Mike Missanelli of 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia reports that does not appear to be the case. Though shooting the basketball has always been an issue for Simmons, athleticism has long been the best part of his game. Whether it is getting to the hoop or playing great defense, Simmons is a blast to watch.
With the Nets pushing for the postseason, hopefully, Simmons makes his debut in the next few games.