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The Brooklyn Nets lost Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, but may get some help.
During Monday's episode of NBA Today, Ramona Shelburne reported that Ben Simmons is pain-free. She suggested he is getting closer to returning from his back injury and that he will do more in practice this week.
Simmons hasn't played in an NBA game since the Philadelphia 76ers lost to the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the playoffs. His decision to pass up a potential dunk in the final game of the series set the stage for him to eventually be traded to the Nets, as he received a lot of criticism for his performance in that series.
Before the trade that sent James Harden to the 76ers, Simmons had requested a trade, suspended and said he wasn't mentally prepared to take the court.
Games 3 and 4 in Brooklyn are not until Saturday and the following Monday, as the Nets and Celtics face each other for Game 2 on Wednesday. He has a week to prepare if he wants to return for Game 4.
Simmons' struggles when it comes to outside shooting are one of the many concerns he has.
He would not have the same offensive responsibilities on the Nets as he did in Philadelphia, where he was the No. 2 option.
He could focus on helping contain Jaylen Brown, a two-time All-Defensive selection who is athletic enough to stay in front of ball-handlers and tall enough to challenge shots at the rim and on the perimeter.
Even the smallest boost could propel the Nets into the second round.
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