Ben Simmons talks about when he will be back on the court. There is a time and a place for this.
Brooklyn Nets swingman Ben Simmons is making progress from a back injury but is unlikely to play in Game 3 on Saturday against the Boston Celtics, though he said it was reasonable to think he would play in Game 4 on Monday.
Simmons said after practice that it was "literally day to day." We are trying to put those great days together so we can get back on the floor and play at a high level. I would be on the court if I could play right now. It is what it is.
Simmons said he has gotten two or three scrimmage days under his belt and expects to get at least one more in on Saturday, but both he and Nets coach Steve Nash are unsure what kind of impact he will have if he does play in this series.
Simmons said they would find out. Playing with these guys. My IQ is so high that I would like to play with guys like Ky Irving and Klay Thompson. I know how they play and want to play. It is exciting for me to just get them in their spots and be a floor general. I am looking forward to it.
Simmons was acquired by the Nets just before the trade deadline from the Philadelphia 76ers. He hasn't played since June 20, 2021, when he missed more than two months due to a back injury. He requested a trade out of Philadelphia due to mental health concerns.
Nash was honest in his assessment of what Simmons should be expected to contribute if he does play.
Nash said that he couldn't answer that. Does anyone have an answer? We would be happy to have Ben play, but only if he is ready. He is not if he is not. We are not counting down the minutes until Ben returns. Ben wants to make an impact and we want him to play when he is ready.
Simmons wouldn't say if he would come back if the Nets lost Game 3 and went down to the Celtics.
Simmons has had to build up strength in his legs while he builds up strength in his back.
Simmons said it would take time to loosen the muscles and get back on the floor. It's treatment every day, and it stays on top of it.
Simmons said it would be up to Nash and the rest of the coaching staff how many minutes he might be able to play, but remained optimistic that he would be able to fit in well with a team with which he has yet to play a minute.
Simmons said he would fit in.
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