Could Ben Simmons be set to return to the Nets for the playoffs?
With reports suggesting that a comeback could soon be at hand, the Nets will have to be liking their chances.
If the point guard’s moment has finally come, it won’t be a moment to soon as the Brooklyn Nets gear up for their post season push.
Could Ben Simmons be ready for the playoffs?
The story of Ben Simmons over the last year has been one of twists and turns. From a standoff with his former team the Philadelphia, which led to him forcing his way into a trade to the Nets, to prolonged back problems that have resulted in him not playing a single game for the seasons, its been a tumultuous situation to say the least. Yet according to reports, the Brooklyn Nets star could be about to make his first appearance for his new team.
That’s right! Simmons who has been struggling with a back injury since his arrival in Brooklyn, is apparently nearing his return to full fitness and as such, could even be ready to play in time for the first round of the postseason. As was recently indicated, Simmons has been increasing his workload, while strengthening his legs and back. With that it is now understood that should he clear the varying objectives that have been set for him, he will indeed be able to take to the court in the very near future.
The strange case of Ben Simmons and the Nets’ hopes
It was of course just a year ago when Simmons all but demanded a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers after an embarrassing postseason loss to the Atlanta Hawks and the contentious fall out that ensued. Simmons was criticized heavily by fans for what they believed was his central role in the defeat. Seemingly unwilling to take the critique, Simmons pressed and finally got his wish in the form of a massive deadline deal that saw James Harden go in the opposite direction. To date unfortunately, Simmons has not played for the Nets and even had to receive an epidural in an effort to alleviate the pain he was experiencing. It should be noted that Simmons has in fact been ruled out of the play-in round.
If, however, the Nets are able to advance beyond the play-in round, which to be fair is expected, it would understandably give Simmons even more time to continue his recovery, thereby creating the possibility that he could indeed return to the team, albeit in a limited capacity. Should the Nets go even further, well then perhaps we may see Simmons playing at full strength later on.
What do the Brooklyn Nets face?
In the first play-in game the Nets will face the Cleveland Cavaliers. If they can win that game, they would then move on to face the No. 2 seeded Boston Celtics in the first round. On the other hand if they were to lose against the Cavs, they would have no choice but to defeat the winner of the game between the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks for the chance to take on the Miami Heat in the first round. Where Simmons is concerned, its true that should they be able to get him fit and firing, they would likely be able to beat either of the aforementioned teams. Simmons is the direct solution to a problem that the Nets have had all season long, which is defensive stops. Indeed, with his defensive prowess known the league over - he finished as runner up in Defensive Player of the Year voting - Simmons would be a more than welcome addition to the Nets roster heading into the playoffs.