Ben Simmons takes small steps toward postseason availability
Nets guard Ben Simmons warms up before a game against the Pacers at Barclays Center on Sunday. Credit: Brad Penner
Suddenly there’s buzz about a possible Ben Simmons return for the playoffs, if the Nets get that far.
First, they released a video of the team practicing that included a couple of cameo appearances by Simmons. He also was on the floor taking practice shots Sunday before the Nets’ regular-season finale against the Pacers. It marked the first time that Simmons has been on the floor working out at Barclays Center before a game.
Coach Steve Nash could be playing it coy, but a Simmons return did not sound like anything imminent from comments he made before Sunday’s game.
“He’s doing a little bit of movement. Still one-and-zero stuff,” Nash said. “He still has a lot of milestones to reach. But it’s positive. At least he’s moving around a little bit.”
Simmons, who came to the Nets in the James Harden trade with the 76ers on Feb. 10, has not played a game all season. He did not play for Philadelphia before the deal because of mental stress and an ongoing feud with the team.
After the trade, Simmons started experiencing back problems when he ramped up his conditioning to get ready to play. He was diagnosed with a herniated disc.
Nash did say that Simmons is in a good place emotionally. “He looks really positive and happy and encouraged and is just working away at his rehab,” he said.
A healthy Simmons — even a version that could give the Nets 20 minutes a game — would be a boon in the postseason, although he won’t be ready for the play-in tournament. He is considered one of the best defenders in the league and defense has been the team’s Achilles’ heel all season.
Notes & quotes: As expected, the Nets signed Kessler Edwards to a standard NBA contract Sunday, making him eligible to play in the postseason. A second-round pick out of Pepperdine, the 6-8 forward has become a regular member of the Nets’ rotation.
Barbara Barker is an award-winning columnist and features writer in the sports department at Newsday. She has covered sports in New York for more than 20 years.
