The Brooklyn Nets are hoping for a much better go-around in 2022-23 after a disappointing first-round exit this year. It was a truly unstable season for the Nets, amid the Kyrie Irving vaccine saga and the James Harden-Ben Simmons trade. GM Sean Marks is hoping the team can make a deep run in the playoffs next year, but that all starts with getting Simmons back up and running. Marks detailed what he thinks will be key in getting Simmons back into the flow of things with the Nets, and it’s a pretty straightforward plan.

Via Brian Lewis of the NY Post, Marks said “We’re gonna be doing everything we possibly can to get him around. He needs to be in here, smell the gym again, be around his friends, around his family, participate in this.”

Getting Simmons into the facility and back into a regular basketball routine will be an important first step for the Nets. The 25-year-old battled injuries and mental health struggles throughout the year in 2021-22, resulting in him missing the entire season. After undergoing surgery and taking more than a year off from participating in games, it’ll be more than just a physical journey for Simmons to get back on the court. Ensuring he’s mentally equipped to get back to basketball will also be a major obstacle.

The Nets seem willing to show patience and work with him each step of the way as he looks to return to the court. He won’t be ready to resume basketball activities for a few months after undergoing back surgery, but he’s expected to be good to go for training camp.