NBA Rumors: Nets’ Ben Simmons likely isn’t playing this season

NBA Rumors: It’s doesn’t sound like Ben Simmons is going to make his Brooklyn Nets debut this season. 

When the Brooklyn Nets acquired Ben Simmons from the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster package that involved James Harden, there was hope, albeit a small one, that both teams were about to add a significant piece to their title chase this season.

While that has absolutely been the case for the surging Sixers, the Nets can’t exactly say the same.

Simmons has still not made his season debut with the team and the rehab updates that have been reported aren’t encouraging. With the most recent of them suggesting that there’s a strong chance we don’t see Simmons at all this season.

According to Nets head coach Steve Nash, Simmons is not working out with the team due to a recent back issue that has popped up.

This latest update is concerning on several fronts. Not only is it concerning that Nash doesn’t remember when this back injury actually became a thing, but it’s kind of a huge revelation that he’s currently not able to do anything in rehab workouts.

Either way, when the Nets acquired Simmons it was always about the long-term potential. That said, it was always going to be a tough sell to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, who don’t want to waste another year of not being a true contender in the Eastern Conference.

However, with every passing week, it’s looking more and more like this is what this season will end up being for them.

This is not good news for anyone involved. Hopefully, this recent back issue for Simmons isn’t something that turns into a long-term issue for him. That’s the last thing that Simmons needs. Additionally, it’s something that the Nets don’t want to see happen.