Everybody wants to know when new Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons will actually make his debut for the franchise. Simmons is still working his way back from an injury setback involving his back, and there's no timetable for his return.

Based on what Nets head coach Steve Nash said Tuesday morning, there has to be at least some concern that Simmons might not be ready to play in any regular-season games:

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While Simmons could very well be back within the next month ahead of the playoffs, Nash saying he's “very hopeful” and not totally certain about it is a red flag, though he later tried to clarify that his optimism level is “extremely high.” Most people figured the Nets point forward would be back on the court by now after his trade from the Philadelphia 76ers over a month ago, but this mysterious back ailment continues to keep him out.

Simmons was also reportedly dealing with mental health issues when he was still with the Sixers, but the expectation was that it would take him a few weeks to get his mind right and ramp up after a trade. Instead, we're sitting here over a month later and there's no sign of him coming back on the court anytime soon.

Again, perhaps Simmons will actually be ready to roll shortly and this Nash comment means nothing. But it's at least a cause for concern.

Meanwhile, the Nets have won three games in a row to get to 35-33 on the season, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving both delivering signature performances over this recent stretch. This is still a very dangerous team, one which would be even more dangerous if Simmons ever plays this season.