Ben Simmons is getting ready to make his long-awaited debut in the 2021/22 NBA season. The Australian playmaker hasn’t played an NBA game for almost a year, after his infamous Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the 2021 NBA playoffs.
The scenario is similar this year, but Simmons will play under different circumstances. The talented playmaker is now part of the Brooklyn Nets after being traded from the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s been two months since that move and Simmons is yet to make his debut with the New Yorkers.
Well, that seems to be coming to an end, as recent reports suggest he will go back later in the first round of the postseason. The Nets are ready to face the Boston Celtics and Simmons is a piece they could use to get past the difficult Celtics.
Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports that Simmons will start practicing with teammates, as he tries to be ready to suit up and help the Nets against the 2nd seed of the East.
After running and shooting without back pain for over a week, Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons is expected to take the next step on the floor in the coming week and begin practicing against teammates on the court, sources told ESPN on Saturday.
His continued progress is fostering hope that Simmons could make his season debut sometime later in Brooklyn’s opening-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, sources said. The Nets and Celtics meet for Game 1 on Sunday in Boston.
So far, Simmons has been limited to 1-on-0 workouts, but that’s on track to change and the Nets remain hopeful that they can get something out of Simmons in this series, even if it’s just 10 to 15 minutes a game, sources said.
To make things better, Simmons was recorded dunking the ball, demonstrating that he’s coming back and the rest of the East should be careful about his team.
Ben Simmons dunk at practice
(via @NickFriedell)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 16, 2022
Simmons is a terrific addition to the Nets. His playmaking abilities and defense are something they could use against Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown and co. He’s been dealing with back injuries again, but it looks like he’s ready to come back stronger than before. The Nets are still dangerous regardless of Simmons’ absence, but having this guy on the court would please Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Steve Nash.
