Post the trade saga of Ben Simmons and James Harden, both their debuts have been highly anticipated. Harden, who wanted the move to 76ers since last season, completed it at the expense of unhappy Simmons. Ben was dejected and did not like the way Sixers felt that he was not important enough as they mentioned trading him out in order to bring in Harden.
When the trade could not happen the first time, all parties had to settle with how things turned out. This meant Simmons was well aware of the fact that even though he was playing there, the Sixers would much rather have Harden in their future plans.
ALSO READ: James Harden shows his class in his debut for 76ers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The trade eventually went through in February and James Harden just made his explosive debut for the 76ers, whereas we are yet to see Ben Simmons with his new team.
Ben Simmons injury
Following recent updates, Simmons was recovering from an existing injury and reportedly suffering from mental health issues. But now another update has come to light. It might be an even longer wait for the Nets fans to see Simmons on the court making his awaited debut.
Sources: Nets star Ben 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.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2022
He was dealing with low back soreness when he reported to Sixers camp and that looks to have popped up again. Part of the process after a long layoff
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) February 26, 2022
READ MORE: Simmons was on course to ramp up his issues to make an awaited debut.
Fans are getting impatient as it is taking practically forever to see Simmons play for the Nets. After the departure of Harden, Nets fans hope to see Simmons back to full fitness so that he can contribute in the closing stages of the season.
A common narrative on Twitter is that other than the injury, another reason for the delay of his debut is to avoid him playing his first game against his former side because of the saga that Simmons had to endure in the past year.
Lmaooooo nets fans have no idea what damaged goods they just received
— Gon (@IanSmithsMask) February 26, 2022
They are just trying to delay so that he doesnt suit up until after the sixers game. Not trying to diminish the back injury, but also making sure they dont risk the mental side of it aswell
— Trev 🅿️ (@Trev_xo) February 26, 2022
Bro ducking the Philly game 😭😭😭
— BGN (@BGN_5) February 26, 2022
HAHAHHA he’s terrified of playing in Philly lmaoo
— Philly Keyboard Warriors (@phillysportzz) February 26, 2022
Early indication is the back will be completely healed on the 11th of March
— EmBeard (@Abs1085) February 26, 2022
Tried to warn y’all
— 0fficialDrake🃏 (@NotThtGuyDrake) February 26, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) February 26, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH: When will Ben Simmons make his debut?
Simmons was about to come back soon, as he ramped up his conditioning. He also spoke about how he was recovering from mental health issues as well. But this is yet another hiccup. Simmons is out indefinitely after his back injury, which he suffered while in the process of ramping up his previous discomforts. This major setback will delay the point guard’s debut for Brooklyn Nets in the crucial stage of the season.