Ben Simmons has been missing from the basketball court since the end of the playoffs for the 76ers last season. After an unexpected and slightly embarrassing loss against the Hawks, Simmons had his now-infamous falling out with the franchise and sat out the entirety of the season till the trade deadline when he was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets in the trade for James Harden. He’s back now though!
Simmons was spotted at the Nets’ training facility for the first time since the trade went through, and this was likely his first time this season practicing with his teammates instead of by himself. Simmons was seen in a Nets hoodie walking around the court with a basketball in his hand before he dapped up Kevin Durant and a couple of his other new teammates.
In the building 👀 pic.twitter.com/KCpan6vzfj
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 14, 2022
The Nets will take on the Sacramento Kings on Monday night but Simmons will reportedly not be making his debut with the team yet. Seth Curry and Andre Drummond, two other players that came with Simmons as a part of the same trade might start, though. This will provide the Nets with a much-needed boost as they look to halt the current losing streak they have been on.
As far as Ben Simmons is concerned, he appears to be in shape despite the extended time he stayed on the sidelines this season. He will be raring to go so he can shut down his critics with performances on the court and ideally, he will want some rhythm in his game before Brooklyn takes on his former team in the 76ers in early March.
Simmons will be a massive addition to this Nets roster, they have struggled with creating consistent offense, especially with Kyrie Irving being unable to play in any of their home games. The defense has also been a concern, something that Simmons can address immediately. While there are question marks about how this will work out, both the player and his new franchise will be looking to maximize this opportunity as soon and as much as they can.
