Inside The Nets

Ben Simmons' return to the Brooklyn Nets lineup is imminent

Ben has been sidelined since early November with a nerve impingement in his lower back.

Peter Sunjic

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After suffering a nerve impingement in early November, Ben Simmons did not have a timeline for his return. Through the past two months, Ben has progressed well in his recovery, and he’s nearing his return to the Brooklyn Nets roster after a long time away.

Reports state Simmons’ return is imminent, with a strong possibility he will be playing for the Nets’ January 29 game against the Utah Jazz at Barclays Center. His presence in the lineup will be significant, given how much Coach Jacque Vaughn's team has changed since November.

“He’s still progressing. Great to see him get a chance to play a ‘Stay Ready’ today. He will play hopefully for Long Island, that will be another step forward to get some more lively bodies around him,” Coach JV said ahead of the Nets’ game against Minnesota. “If we continue to have no setbacks, which has been the case so far, hopefully, we do see him next week.”

Ben’s return will be monumental for Brooklyn

The Nets have been missing Ben’s playmaking, especially when he fits so well on the team. Spencer Dinwiddie is the designated starter in Simmons’ absence, which means they play a bit slower since the veteran guard is a more methodical player.

With Simmons, Coach JV has someone who loves to run in transition. Before the season started, the coaching staff was adamant that Brooklyn should play a fast-paced style. That worked early in the season when Ben rebounded the ball and immediately pushed the pace.

Dennis Smith Jr. has tried to do it in limited yet effective spurts. With Ben returning, he will provide elite defense, playmaking, and the size Brooklyn needs to get Cameron Thomas back in the starting lineup.

Another chance for the Playoffs

Ben missing most of the season has been a big blow to the Nets’ Playoff aspirations. They are outside the Playoff picture, but the Aussie guard can change the team’s fortunes. His effectiveness on both sides of the floor will be monumental for the rest of the team because everyone will have an easier time with an elite playmaker like Simmons.

Of course, there is some skepticism about Ben’s injury history, but his early-season form was encouraging for Brooklyn. If he can regain that kind of effectiveness, the Nets will be a tough matchup for anyone with a more well-rounded roster.

Spencer Dinwiddie gives a worrying answer about his late-game benching

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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