Again on the commerce deadline in 2021-22, the Brooklyn Nets discovered themselves amid a James Harden commerce request. The ten-time all-star wished to play elsewhere and he obtained his want granted. Brooklyn traded with the 76ers to accumulate Ben Simmons and ship Harden to Philadelphia. In his time with the Nets, accidents have left Simmons off the court docket greater than he’s been on it.
When he was traded to Brooklyn in 2021-22, Simmons was coping with a again harm and was unable to play. Actually not what the Nets have been hoping for. Final season, Simmons performed in 42 of their 82 video games and made 33 begins. In 2023-24, Simmons has performed in simply six video games and has missed the final 36 in a row as a consequence of a again harm. He’s coping with a nerve impingement in his decrease again. Nonetheless, Simmons has been making progress, and head coach Jacque Vaughn gave the media an replace on his state of affairs.
Ben Simmons nonetheless awaits his return for the Nets in 2023-24
REPORT: The Nets hope to ship Ben Simmons to the G-League for observe reps “within the close to future”, per @erikslater_.
Return coming quickly? pic.twitter.com/OPOtVuJ54S
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 25, 2024
After the Nets play the Timberwolves tonight, Ben Simmons can have missed his thirty seventh straight recreation this season. It’s been an uphill battle for the three-time all-star to get again on the court docket. He’s performed for the Nets for 2 seasons and has appeared in 48 video games. When he misses their recreation tonight, Simmons can have missed 77 whole video games since 2022-23. Robust harm luck for Simmons. Head coach Jacque Vaughn mentioned that sending Simmons to the Lengthy Island Nets might be in play.
That’s Brooklyn’s G-League affiliate. Simmons may go there and get some work with the Lengthy Island Nets earlier than he rejoins Brooklyn. It’s not unusual for that to occur when a participant has missed that a lot time in a row. The Nets need to get Simmons acclimated earlier than he joins the principle roster once more. Neither aspect needs to danger Simmons sustaining one other harm and inflicting a setback. For now, the 27-year-old will work on getting again to full well being and being able to take the court docket for Brooklyn.
Ben Simmons’ video games performed all through his profession 😳
(through @ESPNNBA) pic.twitter.com/zUH5FFg2Uu
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 20, 2024
In his six video games for Brooklyn in 2023-24, Simmons is averaging (6.5) factors, (6.7) assists, and a career-high (10.8) rebounds. His availability has been an actual situation and it’s arduous to see another group having any actual curiosity in Simmons. He’s owed $35 million after which one other $40 subsequent season. Simmons has missed 36 video games already this season and is getting paid $35 million. That’s freeway theft on his half. Brooklyn must rid themselves of Simmons. He’s nowhere close to the participant he as soon as was and it doesn’t seem like he’ll ever get again there. This might be his final season with Brooklyn if he continues to overlook time as a consequence of harm.
