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
It’s been almost 2 months since Ben Simmons got traded with the Brooklyn Nets, but he is still nowhere closer to making his debut. Simmons was reportedly not in basketball shape and during his training process, he ran into some injury trouble. However, he was expected to play in a few regular-season games.
But that may not be the case, as new reports indicate Simmons is nowhere close to returning. Reports suggest Simmons will be out for the play-in tournament as well. If the Nets do make the playoffs, it will be very risky to get Simmons back then. First of all, it will be very hard to implement a player like Simmons into the lineup. That too in the middle of the playoffs. Secondly, if he’s not 100%, they could risk him being injured for next season as well.
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 28: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets looks out during game against the Toronto Raptors at Barclays Center on February 28, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)
NBA Twitter goes nuts after a huge Ben Simmons update
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Fans went berserk after learning Simmons will not be returning anytime soon. They trolled him and the Nets. Here are the best reactions:
Honestly team chemistry without Harden looks legit, I still think Nets can make a run without this cupcake https://t.co/LQNi4xSWDs
— ™ (@T_Murr3) April 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/CJtheDJ3791/status/1511032679948500999?s=20&t=N7iB0eTOphIpY47mUDn7QQ
SOURCE: Ben Simmons expected to sit out as long as it takes to convince the NFL arbitrator that he really wasn’t faking in Philly so should be paid the 20m they withheld
— TheRhino (@RighteousRhino2) April 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/GOTCITYTEA/status/1511081048561487873?s=20&t=N7iB0eTOphIpY47mUDn7QQ
James Harden for Seth Curry and 2 1sts 🔥🔥🔥 Nets won the trade
— ≈ (@PlayoffBeard_) April 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/Michael_moyer95/status/1511022659823407108?s=20&t=N7iB0eTOphIpY47mUDn7QQ
yeah really unfortunate pic.twitter.com/HhbA44aEFC
— sielccia ✦ (@QuincySeven) April 4, 2022
Fixed it for you pic.twitter.com/pGd4HOVy5g
— Jeepsy (@HoopLif4) April 4, 2022
Steve Nash to Ben Simmons every night pic.twitter.com/uLVI6ta7Uh
— What Klay Say?… (@bald_head_steph) April 4, 2022
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Will the Nets get Simmons back in the playoffs?
The Nets still aren’t sure if Simmons can get ready by the playoffs. But if he is available, they will have a tough decision to make. On one hand, if they decide to play Simmons, they will be getting an all-star. Simmons is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and he is an excellent passer. He can finish seamlessly at the rim and can help the Nets in the fastbreak as well.
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But on the other hand, playing Simmons will reduce spacing on the floor for Durant and Irving. Simmons’s hesitancy to shoot the three makes him a non-threat in the half-court situation. This could hamper the Nets’ offense massively. Also if Simmons gets injured again, he might miss time next season as well. That is something that the Nets would not want. The Nets will have to measure the pros and cons and make a wise decision when the time comes.
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