USA Today via Reuters
Mar 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) during warmups before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) during warmups before the game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The trade saga of Ben Simmons was one of those moments in the NBA which did not bear the expected fruit for any party involved. Although it did favors for the Philadelphia 76ers as they formed the duo of Joel Embiid and James Harden with swapping Ben Simmons with Harden. However, the Nets did not benefit that much.
Ben Simmons struggled with apparent mental health problems when he experienced neglect from his former team 76ers because they wanted to bring in James Harden. Simmons? long term back injuries only worsened the case. Further, Ben Simmons has not played all season due to one reason or another. Moreover, he has not even been training with the team.
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ESPN?s Adrian Wojnarowski reported recently that Ben Simmons has been healthy for a while now. He has continued his progress and there?s optimism around the Nets team that he will be available around the first round of their playoff series.
The Athletic?s Shams Charania also confirmed the reported optimism around Ben Simmons? return. However, the Nets head coach Steve Nash said something quite different from what the reports suggest.
WATCH THIS STORY: When Will Ben Simmons Make His Debut for the Brooklyn Nets?
Steve Nash provides harsh reality on Ben Simmons? potential return
After the news around Simmons suggested that he has been training with full flow, there was a sense of optimism around the Nets team and fans. However, that does not seem to be the case. He is finally expected to play in the playoff series for the Nets, but Steve Nash dropped the harsh reality revolving around Simmons? return to full fitness.
Nash on Simmons: “There’s no timetable for his return right now. He’s clearly got some markers to hit.”
For what it’s worth, Nash says that Simmons hasn’t started running or doing any conditioning yet.
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) April 10, 2022
Steve Nash hit the 7 worded truth bomb on his official Twitter handle. Nash Tweeted, ?There?s no timetable for his return right now.??
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The Nets head coach told the reporters that there is a lot of work still left to be done for Simmons to return to the court. Nash added that Simmons hasn’t begun to run or condition in his recovery process yet.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 29, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets injured guard Ben Simmons (10) holds a basketball during a timeout during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center. The Nets defeated the Pistons 130-123. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
The reports suggested that Simmons has ramped up his workload and has been managing his back issues. Despite the positive news, Nash confirmed otherwise. He told reporters Simmons wasn’t doing anything at full speed and all of his running was on an AlterG treadmill. Only time will tell if Simmons will play any part this season or not.?
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By the looks of it, his return is still as uncertain as it was a few months ago. If he is available, he can prove to be a very good asset to the team in the play-in/playoffs. However, this is the ideal situation. The truth of the matter is that everything involving Ben Simmons is highly uncertain right now.
Read More: NBA Twitter Goes Wild After Nets Announce Massive Ben Simmons News
