It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Ben Simmons with a basketball in his hands. But after a several-month hiatus, the 25-year-old has finally resurfaced, attending his first Nets shootaround Monday at Barclays Center.
Simmons, of course, was acquired Thursday in a blockbuster trade sending former MVP James Harden to Philadelphia. The three-time All-Star, who last played on June 20th, appeared to be in good spirits, dapping up his new teammate, Kevin Durant.
Coincidentally, the Kings, Brooklyn’s opponent Monday night, were one of the most aggressive teams in pursuing Simmons ahead of last week’s NBA trade deadline. Simmons obviously won’t be available for that game, though Seth Curry and Andre Drummond, who were also acquired Thursday, will both be in uniform for Brooklyn.
A three-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year, Simmons left the Sixers this fall to address his mental health, though many suspect his absence had more to do with him wanting to be traded.
Simmons’ presence at Monday’s shootaround would suggest he’s anxious to return, though the Nets haven’t offered a firm timetable on when that might happen. With Kyrie Irving ineligible for home games (the result of New York’s vaccine mandate) and Kevin Durant still bothered by a sprained knee, the struggling Nets (Saturday extended their losing streak to 11 games) will take all the help they can get right now.
Meanwhile, back in Philly, Harden practiced for the first time with his new team Monday, displaying a new number (13, the number Harden wore in Brooklyn, Houston and Oklahoma City, is retired in honor of Wilt Chamberlain) while working on his midrange game. Still nursing a minor hamstring injury, Harden won’t make his Sixers debut until after the All-Star break.
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