NEW YORK — As speculation surrounding Ben SimmonsThe potential debut of the Brooklyn NetsThe Nets star continues to be a hot topic in the NBA Kevin DurantHe admitted Thursday that Simmons isn’t returning as the Nets prepare for their Eastern Conference quarterfinal matchup. Boston Celtics.
Durant stated that he didn’t expect him to play after Thursday’s practice. That’s easy for me. Ben is not under any pressure to hoop. I’m not expecting him do anything. All I want is for him to get well and be healthy. In my mind, we are playing as a team.
Simmons was purchased by the Nets shortly before the February trade deadline. Philadelphia 76ersSimmons has not participated in an NBA game for almost a year since he requested a trade from Sixers last season citing mental health concerns. Simmons has been suffering from back pain since February, and has not been cleared for practice since arriving in Brooklyn. Steve Nash, the Nets’ coach, stated Thursday that Simmons continues to undergo individual rehab work and is not participating in any ‘basketball conditioning.
Nash stated, “It’s Ben’s responsibility.” “It’s not my job, it’s not mine, or anyone else, except his back — and if we can help resolve that, great. There’s a possibility Ben comes back. There’s also a possibility he doesn’t. We need to keep our eyes on the group. Support Ben’s journey to get back to the floor. But, we also have to make sure we aren’t losing sight of the group that is playing.
“Ben’s a franchise foundation — but at the moment it’s all about supporting him physically, mentally, and coaching the group to do its best in the first few series games. We aren’t sitting here declaring that Ben will be returning to this series internally. We will see what happens.”
Durant stated that he wouldn’t allow his mind even to consider whether Simmons will return in the postseason.
Durant stated that Simmons’ return would not bring Simmons an emotional lift. We all know who Ben is. It’s possible to imagine different scenarios. But I won’t go there. We’re just taking each day as it comes.
Nash recently stated that he wouldn’t have any issues with Simmons making the Nets’ playoff debut, even though Simmons hadn’t played for almost a full year. Nash answered the question “Why are you so confident in this scenario?” given how long it had been since Simmons last played in an NBA game.”
Nash stated, “He’s an extremely talented player.” “I think we would have to give him a shot if he was able to play.”
Veteran point guard Goran DragicThursday’s announcement by Simmons, that Simmons’ return, whenever it might come, would be a boost to a Nets team that has struggled with injuries and other issues throughout the season, was a positive sign.
Dragic stated, “I feel good emotions because I get one more body.” Dragic’s skills make him unique. He can switch from 1 to 5. He’s an excellent defender. He’s a great defender.
“You also get a large body for offensive and defensive rebounding… it will definitely help when KD is out. [Andre]Drummond, then Ben. It’s quite a lineup.
Nash said that Simmons was a possibility, and that he had thought about it. But not today.
Nash said, “For whenever [he’s] back.” “So, of course, everyone imagined Ben fitting into our group when we made the deal. He won’t be coming back anytime soon, but I don’t want to wait. It will be wonderful when he is ready and he returns. In the meantime, we had to coach the group to make sure we gave ourselves the chance to compete even without him.