Ben Simmons to be on Brooklyn Nets’ bench towards 76ers in Philadelphia; taking part in debut in flux

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Whereas it stays to be seen when the brand new Brooklyn Nets swingman will be capable of make his season debut as he continues to cope with a again damage, Nets coach Steve Nash mentioned that Ben Simmons will be a part of up together with his new group in Philadelphia on Wednesday and can sit on the bench with the group Thursday.

Simmons, who was acquired from the Sixers final month together with Andre Drummond, Seth Curry, and two future first-round picks, in trade for All-Star guard James Harden and Paul Millsap, is predicted to be roundly booed on Thursday after requesting a commerce from the Sixers after final season, citing psychological well being considerations. Nash was fast together with his reply on Tuesday, when requested if he thought it might be good for Simmons to be in that atmosphere in Philadelphia.

“It is nice,” Nash mentioned. “He is on our group, he must be together with his teammates and get the entire Philly factor out of the best way just a little bit. Perhaps it by no means goes away however the first time it is at all times good to form of cope with it and transfer on.”

Nash mentioned he can be “completely satisfied to speak” to Simmons in regards to the reception he is anticipated to get, however he’s assured the 25-year-old former All-Star is aware of what’s coming.

“I do not assume he is naive to assume he isn’t going to get some boos,” Nash mentioned. “I hope he enjoys it. It is part of the sport I miss.”

So far as when Simmons would possibly be capable of play once more, that could be a query that also doesn’t have a clear-cut reply. Simmons was optimistic about taking part in in Philadelphia throughout his introductory information convention, however he has been coping with again soreness during the last week and a half as he tries to get nearer to taking part in once more for the primary time in over 9 months. Simmons nonetheless hasn’t been cleared to follow and it’s unclear when he shall be ready to take action.

The Nets’ subsequent formal follow is scheduled for Saturday in Brooklyn.

“It is to be decided,” Nash mentioned. “I feel he is progressing this week, however I do not know what meaning so far as Saturday. So he’ll see us [Wednesday] in Philly. I do not assume he is prepared for 5-on-5 basketball however he is bettering, understanding, and he’ll be a part of us in Philly, and some good days of rehab.”

Veteran Nets guard Goran Dragic is aware of the environment in Philadelphia will seemingly be intense, however he would not assume Simmons could have a problem with it.

“It is in all probability not going to be nice,” Dragic mentioned. “The identical as in Toronto [for me], however it’s what it’s. We’re all skilled athletes. On the finish of the day it is solely boos so that you simply go on the market and carry out and attempt to do your greatest. However so long as it is nothing critical, no throwing issues and simply be verbal, I do not care.”

Drummond echoed the same sentiment in regard to being again in Philadelphia.

“Will probably be a playoff-like environment,” Drummond mentioned. “I feel simply primarily based off the commerce and us taking part in them once more and clearly with the Ben state of affairs it is simply two groups which have a very good probability of seeing one another within the Jap Convention finals. So it may be a very good recreation.”

Drummond figures to play just a little greater than typical over the subsequent few video games on condition that Nash mentioned heart LaMarcus Aldridge shall be out not less than the subsequent two video games after having an MRI on his hip. The Nets come into Tuesday’s recreation towards the Charlotte Hornets with a 32-33 report, tied with the Hornets for eighth place within the Jap Convention. They’ve misplaced 17 of their final 20 video games.

Regardless of what is going on on within the standings, Nash is aware of a lot of the main target Thursday shall be on Simmons’ return to Philadelphia.

“Your first time again in any metropolis after a commerce is at all times just a little completely different and awkward,” Nash mentioned. “And clearly there is a historical past there so it’s what it’s, he’ll be wonderful. He is an enormous boy and he is excited to hitch our group and all that stuff. He needs to be there on the bench together with his teammates.”