It’s been a while since Ben Simmons has played this season but Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said there has been “zero” discussion about Simmons shutting it down this season.
Vaughn spoke before Thursday night’s game at the Barclays Center and he was vague about what Simmons has done. He talked about Simmons progressing to on-court work and did not give a timetable to when he could be back.
“No setbacks,” Vaughn said. “He’s progressing. So, great to see him.
“He’s doing some work on court right now, so as more updates come, I’ll definitely give them to you guys, but good to see him back on court getting some work in.”
Simmons has not been in the lineup since Feb. 15 the last game before all-star break. He has been dealing with back and knee issues. Vaughn reiterated Simmons has had no setbacks and that he continues to strengthen his back and knee.
Simmons did not play last season after coming to Brooklyn in a blockbuster trade that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers. So far Simmons has played in 42 games (33 starts) and is averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game, all career lows.
The Nets are currently in sixth place fighting to stay out of the play-in tournament which starts with seventh place. They are 1.5 games back of fifth place which is where the New York Knicks are and 1.5 games ahead of the Miami Heat.
Getting back Simmons won’t be something to rave about but if he can get himself together he can help this team. He can be another good defender on a team that is filled with two-way players. Hopefully when he comes back there could be glimpses of the old Simmons. The one from Philly that will take it coast to coast and dunk on you, not the one that gets to the basket and passes the ball up.