Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets . (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Fans may finally get to see Ben Simmons make his Brooklyn Nets debut for Game 4 versus the Boston Celtics.
It has almost been a full year since Ben Simmons last played in a game, but that may soon change. According to NBA insider, Adrian Wojnarowski, Simmons may finally suit up for Game 4 versus the Boston Celtics at the Barclay Center.
This news could not come at a better time for the Brooklyn Nets. They’re down 0-2 in the series and are getting hammered by the Celtics’ defense. Kevin Durant has had a hard time scoring when being defended by various Celtics. In the second half of the Nets’ Game 2 loss, Durant went 0-of-10 from the field. The majority of his 27 points came from free throws.
Would the return of Ben Simmons make a difference for the Nets in Game 4?
Simmons has not played since last year’s Eastern Conference Semifinals. He also seemed reluctant to shoot layups during that series, possibly out of fear of being fouled. His struggles in that series were on full display and the Celtics could take advantage of that. Simmons also has not played with the Nets since being traded to them in exchange for James Harden. His on-court chemistry with his teammates could be an issue.
However, Simmons’ presence on the court could be a huge difference in the Nets turning this series around. He knows how to defend on and off the ball, and his playmaking could allow Durant and Kyrie Irving to get a shot off without being swarmed by multiple Celtics.
If Simmons does return, it will be interesting to see if he was just the spark the Nets needed.