Ben Simmons is hoping to play for Brooklyn Nets in their first round series against Boston. However, he won’t likely be available for Game 3 on Saturday.
Simmons stated that Game 4 is more likely on Monday.
Simmons stated after practice Friday that “I believe it’s reasonable” to think so, but it was not always the case. “I cannot tell you which Game 4 game I’m playing. “If I could play right away, I would be on the court.”
Simmons did not play for the Philadelphia 76ers during this season. He then injured his back while being traded to the Nets in Feb. Simmons has been unable to perform any type of work due to a herniated disc.
The series is tied at 2-0 for the Nets. Simmons will get another workout Saturday, and then it will be determined if Simmons is ready to jump in Monday. If they lose Monday, they could face elimination.
“I don’t want to over-exaggerate Ben. Steve Nash, Nets coach, said that Ben hasn’t been to this level of basketball for a while. We know that he is a big, fast player who can play defense and rebound well. But we will just have to wait and see what happens.
Simmons has not played in a single game since June 20, last year, when the 76ers lost Game 7 in Atlanta at home. After that, Simmons requested a trade and then decided to not play this season for the 76ers due to mental health concerns.
Although he won’t be able to make any predictions as to how he will play, he insists that he wants the best for himself, even with all of the rust at this crucial time.
“Body-wise, when my body is ready, I want the team to win. Simmons stated that this is what I am here for. “I have to get up on the floor and support this team. I was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and they need me to help them.
Simmons, even though he has a very limited offensive game would still be a great asset to the Nets. Simmons was selected to the All-Defensive First Team in each of the past two seasons. He could also take turns guarding Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown, both Celtics stars.
Simmons stated that his basketball intelligence can help him blend in with a team with which he has not yet fully practiced. The Nets hope that his body will allow for this. Patty Mills, an Australian teammate, stated that it was difficult to compare Simmons’ debut with any other.
Mills stated, “But I mean we’ve gone through some pretty crazy things this year.” “I don’t believe this is any different from that. It’s one of those situations where we’re here and we have this, so let’s make the most out of it.”
