NEW YORK — Nets star Ben Simmons was back on the practice court Monday, but don’t expect to see him in a live game anytime soon.
Nets coach Steve Nash said the little bit of Simmons’ activity reporters saw at the end of practice summed up what he’s been able to do since receiving an epidural in mid-March for the pain a herniated disc caused. While that progress is a positive, Nash ruled him out for appearing in games this week or for the play-in tournament — which could be their final game of the year if they finish the regular season with the ninth or 10th seed, then lose their sudden-death matchup next Tuesday.
“He’s not running,” Nash said. “I would be shocked (if Simmons is available to play next Tuesday).”
Simmons had a slight pep in his step making set shots on the practice floor Monday, but nothing that would suggest he’s any closer to a return. He also did some dynamic work with elastic bands wrapped around his knees.
The light shooting he’s done is a step in the right direction. Previously, Simmons was just in the rehab room, getting work done by team trainers to help him through his back injury. He did individual work before the injury set his rehab back and only recently got back to doing on-court work.
“That’s a big progression just to get here,” Nash said. “So he was doing nothing on the floor. But obviously he clearly started strengthening and doing some light shooting. So super positive on one hand, on the other hand, it’s not like we’re expecting him in the lineup in the next week.”
Simmons hasn’t participated in a full team practice yet, and the Nets require three high-intensity workouts without a setback before clearing players returning from injury. Nash said the Nets are unlikely to waive that process because Simmons has not played a game since last year’s playoffs.
“If he had played 65 games this year and we’re going into the playoffs, and he had a few weeks injury, maybe (we’d think about skipping the workouts),” Nash said. “But I think in this situation, we’ve got to put his health and safety first and make sure that we’re certain he’s ready to play and contribute. And the other part is he hasn’t played basketball, so you don’t know what kind of Ben you get, and he hasn’t been in an NBA game for 9-10 months.”
Simmons’ talent alone makes fans, players and the coaching staff think. He’s a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate and one of the NBA’s most gifted playmakers among players with his size (6-10) and athleticism.
“I think there’s a clear feeling of how he would fit in,” Nash said. “At the same time we haven’t dug really deep into it because on paper and in actuality, it’s different. So you have to see it and work together to find that understanding. But as far as how he fits, I think it’s pretty clear.”
Simmons’ teammates just want him to get healthy. Backs are more fickle than hamstrings. Denver’s Michael Porter Jr., for example, has had three surgeries on an ailing back that has plagued him since his freshman year at Missouri.
Kevin Durant said he’s looking forward to the impact Simmons can have on both ends of the court.
“I’ve been playing against him for the last few years, so you know what he brings to the floor,” Durant said. “My main concern is getting his back healthy so he can have a good rest of his career, so hopefully he’s out there soon.”
Added Bruce Brown: “When you add a player like Ben, the sky’s the limit. He’s a great player, a great point guard for us. We can’t wait for him to be back. I mean ... we haven’t played with a full team this whole year, so hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”
Nash said the next step for Simmons is “strengthening all the protective muscles that eliminate irritation on the spine.”
Given the uncertain nature of back injuries and the limited amount of time available this season, a play-in appearance is certainly out of the question, and it’s fair to assume Simmons wouldn’t be ready to play by the first round, either. If the Nets are able to escape the first round, that’s where the real conversation of a Simmons debut can begin.
“We’ll see. I don’t want to get too far down the road like I don’t want to walk through the next five weeks with you guys and guessing,” Nash said.
