A month has passed since Brooklyn acquired Ben Simmons in a trade deal, yet the three-time All-Star has not stepped on the court for a single minute due to a back injury.
Despite this setback, the team remains optimistic about Simmons joining forces with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to form Brooklyn’s formidable triumvirate before the season concludes.
Coach Steve Nash, speaking to ESPN, mentioned, “He’s currently focused on rehab and strengthening. We are emphasizing his recovery rather than on-court activities at the moment.”
Initially, the Nets attributed Simmons’ injury to his absence from gameplay. However, the discomfort persisted, limiting Simmons to individual training sessions only.
Nash elaborated, “Our primary goal is to ensure his participation in all team activities. While traveling poses challenges due to the impact on his recovery, we strive for his active involvement in meetings, walkthroughs, film sessions, and team bonding activities to maintain his connection with the group. Although we prefer him to accompany the team during travels, we must consider the associated risks and benefits.”
With just 13 games remaining in the regular season, time is of the essence for Simmons to recover fully.
Following a turbulent period at the start of the season characterized by Durant’s absence, the Nets, currently occupying the eighth seed, have achieved a 36-33 record and are riding a four-game winning streak.
In a stunning display on Tuesday, Kyrie Irving delivered a record-breaking performance with a career-high 60 points as the Nets routed the Orlando Magic 150-108, including 41 points in the first half.
As New York scales back on mandates, the likelihood of Kyrie Irving’s full-time presence becomes more plausible, prompting speculation among players and fans on the potential of a Durant-Irving-Simmons trio and its impact in the Eastern Conference.
Known for his defensive prowess, Simmons averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game for the Sixers in the previous season.
Image Source: Ben Simmons @ Instagram
