Nets' Ben Simmons shows signs that rust is coming off

PORTLAND – With Kyrie Irving expected to be back with the Nets soon, the next big question for the team is whether Ben Simmons returns to the player he was before taking all of last season off.

Simmons, who has struggled so much this season that he is now coming off the bench, had his most promisingly aggressive game of the season in the Nets’ 153-121 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday. In 20 minutes, Simmons scored 11 points, the most he’s had since June 14, 2021, and shot 5-for-7, which included an impressive throw down off a lob. He also grabbed five rebounds and had three assists.

Simmons, who had back surgery in May, has also dealt with soreness in his left knee. After the Kings game, Simmons said that he feels that the rust is finally being knocked off his game.

“For sure. It takes time to build up. Especially having a nerve (injury), it takes 18 months for your nerves to fully heal. Over time I get better and better. Just keep pushing.”

The Nets had a players only meeting on Oct. 29 after losing five of their first six games. The Athletic reported that Simmons’ slow start had been a main topic of discussion. On Wednesday, Markieff Morris took to Twitter to throw water on the story. "Who’s the source?," Morris wrote. "Y’all gotta chill with these false stories man! Let me and my guys hoop!"

Nets coach Jacque Vaughn agreed that Simmons’ play was one of the few bright spots of the ugly loss to the Kings.

“Early on, his first attack to the rim was great,” Vaughn said. “I thought he pushed the pace. A lot of pain attacks. I think the game was at his speed. He was able to get the ball to his teammates. A lot of good (for Simmons) here tonight.”

By Barbara Barker

barbara.barker@newsday.commeanbarb

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.