Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash: Ben Simmons won't make season debut in regular season, also likely out of play-in games

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Nets coach Steve Nash said after Monday's practice that Ben Simmons won't be making his season debut in the regular season because of a back injury. Nash said that he would be shocked if Simmons played in the Nets play-in game next week.

Nash said that he didn't see him being ready. I would be shocked.

After requesting a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers last summer, Simmons was finally dealt to the Nets just before the trade deadline in February but has not been able to play because of ongoing issues with his back. Nash said that Simmons made progress Monday by being able to shoot and start working with resistance bands, but the organization still has no idea when or if Simmons will be able to play this season.

Nash said that it was a big progression to get here. He started doing some light shooting. On the positive side, we expect him in the lineup in the next week.

Nash said recently that he wouldn't have a problem with Simmons making his debut in a playoff game even if he hadn't played all year. He made it clear that the Nets would take precautions before putting him back on the floor.

If he had played 65 games this year, and we were going into the playoffs, you might think about rushing the normal progression. You don't know what kind of Ben you get because he hasn't played basketball. He hasn't been in an NBA game for nine to 10 months.

Simmons teammates and coaches have said he is in good spirits in his new surroundings, but they do not know when he will be able to return to the floor. The Nets are currently 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 40-38 record. Nash wouldn't say how realistic it would be to think Simmons could come back and play in the first round.

Nash said that he didn't want to walk through the next five weeks with you. He is doing some increased strength, mobility, and a little bit of shooting.

Bruce Brown is expected to play Tuesday against the Houston Rockets after missing Saturday's loss to the Atlanta Hawks because of a non-COVID illness. It is unclear when guard Goran Dragic will be able to return to Atlanta.

Nash admitted that the Nets have discussed shutting down guard Seth Curry for the last four games of the season as he continues to deal with left ankle soreness.

Nash asked, "Do we try to sit him?" Is he back in the same boat? How important is it for us to get into the seven, eight spot? We are weighing all those things and it is more daily than it is making a decision.