The Brooklyn Nets are inching closer and closer to the team debut of Ben Simmons. That could happen as soon as the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs when the Nets take on the Boston Celtics, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN in an appearance on Get Up.
.@WindhorstESPN says Ben Simmons could make his Nets debut as early as game four against Boston 👀
"For seven, eight weeks now I've heard nothing but pessimism on the Ben Simmons front, and that has switched dramatically in the last few days." pic.twitter.com/5GfhuvKvto
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 14, 2022
Later on Thursday, Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium echoed Windhorst's reporting by saying Simmons is targeting a return within Games 4-6.
Simmons has not seen any action since the 2021 NBA Playoffs when he was still with the Philadelphia 76ers, as he continues to recuperate from an upper-body issue. After a drawn-out drama in Philly, the Sixers finally decided to trade him in February to the Nets together with Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and some picks for James Harden and whatever is left of Paul Millsap.
While it would be a significant boost for the Nets once they get Simmons back in action, there doesn't seem to be any urgency for them to hurry the recovery process of the former LSU Tigers star. For one, Kyrie Irving is at the top of his game as the starting point guard for the Nets, who also still have Kevin Durant. Simmons is likely going to be used both as a point guard and a forward, just like in Philadelphia, by the Nets which would allow Brooklyn to put him, Irving, and Durant all on the court at the same time.
That being said, there should be concern about the Simmons' form after not playing in an NBA game atmosphere for a long time.
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