The potential return of Ben Simmons loomed over the Brooklyn Nets ever since he was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers at the NBA trade deadline. The Nets remained optimistic that Simmons would get on the court at some point, which never happened. The former 76ers star was poised to make his season debut in Game 4 of the team's NBA Playoff series against the Celtics, though a sore back kept him on the sidelines, where he watched as the Nets were swept. On Tuesday, the Nets players' opinion of Simmons attempt- or lack thereof- to return, was revealed, per The Athletic.

Simmons had another workout on Saturday, after which Nash said Simmons had no issues. On Sunday, Simmons informed the team his back was sore. For Nets players, the confusion was not centered around Simmons’ ailment, but with the perceived lack of attempt to play, effort to be in uniform and push his body in these high-stakes playoffs, sources said. Nets players and coaches wanted to see Simmons show resolve and enter this series to start his on-court Brooklyn tenure, even if it was for limited minutes on Monday or none at all while still dressing for the game.

Per The Athletic, Simmons' sore back was not a “source of confusion” for Nets players, though his “perceived lack of an attempt to play” in the NBA Playoff series vs. the Celtics surely was.

The report continues by saying that Brooklyn players and coaches wanted Simmons to “show resolve” in preparing for the game, even if it resulted in the Nets guard not playing.

Instead, the drama around Simmons continued to drag out, with the talented guard seemingly unwilling- in his teammates' eyes- to put in the effort necessary to get on the court.

It couldn't be a worse way for his Nets' tenure to begin.