Report: Ben Simmons Set to Take Important Step in Return to Basketball Next Week

The Nets star is expected to take part in full contact practice with his teammates next week.

Nets star Ben Simmons, who has yet to play for the team since being acquired in the James Harden trade at the deadline, is expected to begin full squad practice next week, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

ESPN Sources: After running and shooting pain-free for over a week, the Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons is expected to take the next step on the court in the coming week: Beginning to go against teammates on the practice floor.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2022

So far, his workouts have been limited to 1-on-0, but that’s about to change. Hope remains Simmons could make his debut later in the Nets-Celtics series. More on NBA Countdown on ESPN at noon ET. https://t.co/4CESkrPilE

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2022

Simmons has been battling back issues since ramping up his basketball activity following his trade to the Nets. After sitting out the first half of the season following his trade request with the 76ers and while dealing with mental health concerns, Simmons was expected to appear in action with the Nets once his conditioning improved after the long layoff.

However, issues with his back caused a couple setbacks, and now with the first round of the playoffs set to begin, Simmons has yet to make his debut with the team.

If all goes well next week in practice, there is a chance that Simmons could return later in the series for the No. 7 seed Nets, who open up their playoff push on Sunday in Boston against the No. 2 seed Celtics.

The Nets could use Simmons defensively if he were to return, as he would be another capable body on that end of the floor to throw at Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. While the impact that Simmons will make on offense for the Nets remains to be seen, his defensive ability could make an instant impact on the series if he were to play.

Game one between the Nets and the Celtics tips off on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

• Daily Cover: The Complicated Legacy of Jackie Robinson Day