In a meeting Brooklyn NetsMonday afternoon leadership Ben SimmonsRich Paul, Klutch Sports CEO, met with All-Stars to discuss the mental and physical hurdles that remain in their pursuit of a return-to-play. Sources told ESPN that the discussion made it clear that the participants needed to continue addressing the mental aspect of the process.
Simmons repeated what he has repeatedly told team officials since his arrival at the team. Philadelphia 76ersFebruary 10, 2009: He would like to play and perform for The Nets as quickly as possible. However, he doesn’t rule it out happening this season if they survive Monday’s elimination against the Atlanta Hawks. Boston Celtics, sources said. Boston is the winner of the best-of-7 series, 3-0.
According to sources, Simmons and Paul were informed by the Nets that they plan to continue providing all the resources required to support the three-time All-Star.
Simmons thought he was nearing the point of playing after nearly two weeks of painless ramp-up. Simmons returned to the Nets’ practice facility on Sunday, reporting back soreness. Simmons, who was recovering from a herniated disk in his lower back, had repeatedly stated his desire to return to the series against Celtics and maybe even play defense against Boston’s elite wingers. Jayson TatumAnd Jaylen Brown.
On Sunday, the Nets were obviously disappointed to hear Simmons’ 25-year-old physical setback. However, Simmons and Paul spoke candidly on Monday about their challenges and confirmed that Simmons is determined return to the court.
Simmons, who is a three-time All-Star player and the 2017 NBA Rookie-of-the-Year has three years left on his contract and $114,000,000 after this season.
Simmons was unable to scrimmage with Nets starters but there was still hope that his presence could help a struggling team and allow Simmons to return to the NBA for the first-time this season.
After a disappointing performance in the 2021 Eastern Conference semis as a Philadelphia 76ers member, Simmons was thrust into a turbulent 10 months filled with trade requests, mental illness and back problems. Simmons joined the Nets in 2004 with Seth Curry, Andre DrummondA blockbuster trade that took place on February 10, resulting in two future first-round selections. James HardenTo the 76ers. Simmons filed a grievance in protest of the nearly $20 million salary withheld from him by the Philadelphia 76ers this season.
Philadelphia repeatedly claimed that Simmons violated his collective bargaining agreement between NBA and National Basketball Players Association. He also had the right of recouping the money that was given to him prior to the season. The NBA, NBPA and Simmons have been at odds on this issue. Arbitration could set a precedent in future contract and mental health matters. Simmons, according to the 76ers, has not shown up to training camp and refused to play during the regular season and preseason.
Simmons arrived in Philadelphia shortly after the end the preseason. He cited his mental illness as the reason for his limited participation in team activities. Simmons and the 76ers disagreed on the access the team and Simmons were allowed to Simmons for diagnosis and confirmation of his mental health.