NBA
When will Ben Simmons start playing for the Brooklyn Nets?
The debut performance of point guard Ben Simmons with the Brooklyn Nets is facing yet another obstacle- this time, it’s the Australian's back.
Ben Simmons’ debut with the Brooklyn Nets has faced another hiccup- he is having back problems which is keeping him from returning to the court for an indeterminate period of time.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the point guard has been experiencing back soreness as he goes through through reconditioning for competitive play. Simmons has needed to recondition after seeing no action all season.
No timetable for Simmons debut
Simmons reportedly needs to work further on strengthening the affected area before he is ready to play with the Nets.
Brooklyn head coach Steve Nash says the 25-year-old’s back acted up as he was stepping up his training, but adds that it’s nothing serious.
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“It’s not like an injury. It’s just as he’s returning to play his back’s flare up a little bit… But it’s not a long-term thing,” said Nash.
The coach said that Simmons has not yet participated in high-intensity exercises since signing up with the Nets.
There is no word on when exactly Simmons is expected to begin playing for his new club.
KD's return
Aside from their newest team member’s debut, the Nets are also waiting for the return of Kevin Durant who has been recovering from an MCL injury. They are hoping that the 2014 NBA MVP will be able to rejoin them next week.
With Simmons’ current situation, it seems unlikely that he will be ready to play ball when the Nets take on his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, on March 10.
He was traded to the Nets in a blockbuster deal that sent star shooter James Harden to the Sixers.
Harden delivered a stellar performance in his first game with Philadelphia, wrapping up their 133-102 victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves with 27 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds.