Ben Simmons is set to make his Brooklyn Nets debut in Game 4 of his team’s first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics.
Simmons has yet to take the floor for the Nets since he was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers. But barring any setbacks with his nagging back injury, he’s set to return to the court for Monday night’s game.
Barring a setback, Brooklyn’s Ben Simmons plans to play in Game 4 on Monday vs. the Boston Celtics, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 22, 2022
Simmons, who hasn’t played a single game all season, explained why he wants to return to the court during this series.
“I gotta get on the floor and help this team win. I’ve been traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and that’s what they need me to do,” Simmons said during a press conference on Friday.
“I gotta get on the floor and help this team win. I’ve been traded to the Brooklyn Nets, and that’s what they need me to do.”
– Ben Simmons pic.twitter.com/Zwu0piXcCL
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) April 22, 2022
The NBA world took to Twitter to react to this news.
“Guarantee if they go down 3-0 there will be a ‘setback,’” one fan wrote.
“Might be too little, too late for Brooklyn,” another added.
Monday morning: https://t.co/HGe2pQF2TC pic.twitter.com/Er8t7rxTxG
— Justin (@ATownEagle) April 22, 2022
The Nets down 0-2 and seeing Robert Williams is coming back: https://t.co/vhni8fQtUi pic.twitter.com/tcq0wljsY0
— Pure Green Blood (51-31) (2-0) RIP Scott Hall (@PureGreenBlood) April 22, 2022
Some of Simmons fellow NBA colleagues reacted to the news as well.
“I’m excited 2 see what Ben Simmons brings 2 the Nets. I keep hearing “He’s going to play the Draymond role” like has he ever played that role? Do we know if he’s even good at that role? Let’s not just throw around “Draymond role” like that’s something simple!! If it was simple…” Isaiah Thomas wrote.
I’m excited 2 see what Ben Simmons brings 2 the Nets. I keep hearing “He’s going to play the Draymond role” like has he ever played that role? Do we know if he’s even good at that role? Let’s not just throw around “Draymond role” like that’s something simple!! If it was simple…
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) April 21, 2022
Simmons will not suit up for Saturday’s Game 3, but he’ll continue to practice with the team throughout the weekend.
The Nets are currently down 2-0 as they head back home to the Barclays Center for the next two games.
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