After running and shooting for over a week with no back pain, Brooklyn Netsstar Ben SimmonsSources told ESPN that he is expected to move up the court in the coming weeks and start practicing against his teammates, according to ESPN.
His progress keeps him hopeful that Simmons could make his season debut later in Brooklyn's playoff series against the Boston Celtics, sources said. On Sunday, the Nets and Celtics will meet in Boston for Game 1.
Simmons has been restricted to 1-on-1 workouts thus far. But that's changing, and the Nets continue to believe that Simmons can deliver something in this series.
Simmons received an epidural shot mid-March to manage pain and irritation from a herniated lower back disk.
Simmons was bought by the Nets in an unprecedented deal. Philadelphia 76ersAt the February trade deadline, Simmons had not yet played a NBA game since the Eastern Conference finals. Simmons wanted to trade Philadelphia for Simmons, but he was forced to sit out due mental health issues.
Simmons, 25, is a three-time All-Star player and a second-time All-Defensive First-Team selection.
