Coach Steve Nash has expressed extremely high hopes that Ben Simmons will take the court again this regular season, though the Nets have refused to give a definite timeline for when he will take the court again. The problem is that hope does not automatically translate to optimism or confidence.
Simmons came in from the 76ers, trading with James Harden. But he hasn’t played after June 20. A sore back has not helped him in his return. Specialists who treated him say they are doubtful that the All-Star would be back in action for the regular season.
Steve Nash said that Ben was in his rehabilitation process and concentrating on getting healthy and acquiring his strength. He is concentrating on that more than on core workout, Steve Nash said before his team routed Magic, 150-108.
Steve Nash Doesn’t Expect Simmons To Be Proficient At Present
But he expressed extremely high hopes of seeing him in the regular season. Just 13 games remain in the regular reason and Simmons hasn’t even been cleared to sprint or run. Practice is still some time away. His back was bad enough that the Nets had to drop him from their road trip to Charlotte and Boston.
Steve Nash said that the team would love to have him with the team, but they have to weigh the scenario given his bad back.
Seth Curry and Cam Thomas were out with fitness issues against Magic, but their status for the Wednesday home game against Mavericks remains unclear. Steve Nash said it would depend on how they feel on Wednesday.
For now, it appears that even if Simmons can play this season at some point, Nets coach Steve Nash is not expecting him to be tuned in or be much involved in the offensive, as his focus doesn’t remain on that as yet.
