The Philadelphia 76ers point guard has had a tumultuous season, but there’s some good news for Sixers fans.
Though it is unclear when he will return to the court, Steve Nash says that Ben Simmons may be able to make his long-awaited comeback in Game 4 of their first round matchup with Boston on Friday night.
NBA analyst Steve Nash is optimistic that Ben Simmons will be able to return for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Read more in detail here: brooklyn nets roster.
Over the next several games, the Brooklyn Nets will try to keep their season alive. They’re currently in a do-or-die situation after falling down 2-0 to the Boston Celtics. Both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving struggled in Game 2, and if they lose the third game in a best-of-seven series, they’ll join a select group of doomsayers. No team has ever recovered from a 3-0 series deficit. Now the issue is whether Ben Simmons will be able to return in time to assist them.
If they want to win a championship with Durant, they may have to make some changes to their present rotation. The Nets have an opportunity to bring back a third All-Star in the midst of a playoff series, something not every club can do. One who was just named to the All-Defensive team could be able to help slow down Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown a little bit, allowing KD and Irving to get a couple more transition looks.
But, what’s the latest on Simmons’ potential comeback?
Before Game 3 on Saturday, Steve Nash said, “He worked out this morning with several of the players.” “I believe he’s well; I don’t believe he’s had any setbacks or anything.” So I believe he completed the session today, and it was a success, if not a setback.”
The Nets often want players recovering from injury to focus on their specific skills, progressing from 1-on-1 to 2-on-2 to 5-on-5. Only until they have completed three high-intensity 5-on-5 sessions will they be permitted to play.
Kevin Durant just completed all of those goals after returning from a 21-game MCL injury. However, Simmons was just cleared for contact on Tuesday of last week due to a herniated disc in his lower back. He’d played some 4-on-4 and could have played 5-on-5, but their “Stay Ready” group didn’t have enough players.
On the court is Ben Simmons. To begin his warmup, he’ll pass to David Duke Jr. pic.twitter.com/hVlSOBm5H3
April 23, 2022 — Chris Milholen (@CMilholenSB)
So, as his team prepared to meet the Celtics at Barclays Center on Saturday, what did Simmons do?
“I believe it was three-on-three,” Nash remarked. The Nets’ coach also said that the return regulations that applied to Durant may not apply to Simmons in the same manner. Since June 20, 2021, the three-time All-Star out of LSU hasn’t played any NBA basketball. So it’s a little difficult than a knee injury during the season.
Nash discussed the possibility of the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up from 2021 playing in Game 4 on Monday.
“I believe it’s feasible,” Nash said, “but it’s not a typical return to play after being out for nine months and being hurt for as long as he has been at the back end of this.” “If I’m not incorrect, it’s been around two months or more.” So it’s not simply ‘he went through three workouts [Nets performance staff generally demands] and he’s ready to play,’ there’s a lot more to how he’s feeling and how adaptable he’d be in the situation. It’s not the same as playing a game that’s been tucked away in the midst of the season. So I believe there are a few elements to consider when determining whether he’s ready to play.”
Would the Nets still be willing to take a chance on his comeback from such a major injury if they lose Game 3?
“I think it’s really a question of whether or not Ben is ready to play,” Nash said. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s 3-0, 2-1, or whatever. I’m not sure whether the score or the series are as important as whether or not he’s ready to play.”
Durant and Irving will do all they can to avoid falling down 3-0. If they win, they’ll be able to start thinking about Simmons’ possible comeback. Assuming Simmons experiences no more setbacks, he seems to be a strong candidate to play.
Steve Nash’s update on Ben Simmons’ possible Game 4 return is that he is not sure if the Sixers will let him play. Reference: ben simmons defense.
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