NBA Rumors: Ben Simmons plans to make his debut for the Brooklyn Nets in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics.
Nearly a year from the last time he played in an NBA game, Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons is set to make his season-debut in Game 4 against the Boston Celtics.
After a year of playing “will he or won’t he,” it appears Simmons is ready to answer big questions that many around the league have. Including what Simmons will actually look like after taking a full calendar year off.
To begin the season, Simmons refused to report to the Philadelphia 76ers and demanded a trade away from the team. At the NBA Trade Deadline, his wish was finally granted as he was moved in a blockbuster deal to the Nets in a package for James Harden.
When Simmons finally makes his debut with the Nets, the hope is that it won’t be a bittersweet moment. After dropping the first two games in their first-round NBA Playoff series against the Celtics, there is a chance that the Nets could be facing elimination by the time Simmons actually makes his way onto the court.
Simmons is expected to be back for Game 4, but the Nets will need to take care of business in Game 3 – something that they’ve failed to do in the first two games against the Celtics, despite having fourth-quarter leads in both affairs.
Either way, in both the short-term and long-term, Simmons’ return has to be considered great news for the Nets. Even if Simmons only plays one game for the Nets this season before they are eliminated, it could catapult momentum into next season for the team.
The Nets have made it clear that they view Simmons as a long-term solution for the team and acquiring him (in exchange for Harden) at the trade deadline was never intended to be about this season alone.
Simmons’ return is great news for the Nets. And, who knows, maybe his return will be the spark that this team needs to get back in the series with the Celtics.