Nets

GM Sean Marks: Back Stiffness Delaying Ben Simmons’ Nets Debut

March 3, 2022

Nets newcomer Ben Simmons has a stiff back, which is what has delayed his debut with the Nets, general manager Sean Marks told the YES Network.

“He’s been rehabbing this last week to 10 days, and now he’ll hopefully progress throughout this week with some individual work,” Marks said. “Hopefully by the end of next week he’s getting more into the team environment. And then we can start getting him into some game shape and so forth.

“There’s no real timetable. We just have to take it day by day and see how he responds. Hopefully the sooner the better. We need to get this group together and get minutes together on the court.”

Simmons, 25, was acquired by the Nets as part of the James Harden trade with the 76ers. Brooklyn also received guard Seth Curry and center Andre Drummond in the deal. Simmons has yet to appear in a game with either the 76ers or Nets this season.

The Nets at least will getting Kevin Durant back in the fold. He has been out since January with an injured knee. By the playoffs, they are hoping to have Durant and Simmons — and of course, Kyrie Irving being eligible to play in home games.