The Brooklyn Nets are expecting former Rookie of the Year winner Ben Simmons to return to action tonight against the 24-23 Utah Jazz. Simmons, who has been out for nearly three months with a back injury, should be a helpful reinforcement for the 18-27 Nets.
In six games with the Nets this season, Simmons is averaging 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. The Nets are 3-3 this season when Simmons takes the court.
This is Simmons’ second season with the Nets after the team acquired him for James Harden in February 2022.
NBA News: Ben Simmons Return Expected Tonight Vs Utah Jazz
What Does Ben Simmons’ Return Mean for the Nets?
Though it is a small sample size, Simmons’ 10.8 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game currently lead the team. Additionally, Simmons’ defense should provide a boost for the Nets, who currently sit as a bottom-half defensive NBA team. Nic Claxton, the team’s starting center, has recently talked about what type of impact Simmons’ return should have for Brooklyn:
“He definitely helps us. It’s good to see him back with a group. Of course, he brings just an extremely high basketball IQ, being able to defend multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball, rebound.”
Simmons himself is prepared to make his return and help the Nets out any chance he can:
When asked where he can help upon return, Simmons answered, “Everywhere.”
“I just want to have an impact. I want to come in and win games,” he added. “We haven’t been winning lately. So it’s one of those things where we have to get back on track. I’m looking forward to just playing my role and helping this team win.”
Ben Simmons plays basketball today pic.twitter.com/L26eDfQ3Cg
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 29, 2024
The Last Word
Throughout his career, Simmons has suffered multiple injuries. More specifically, Simmons has had his fair share of back injuries that have forced him to miss time. However, the 2016 No.1 overall pick felt like his rehab for this back injury was different than ones in the past:
“Definitely [was different] because I felt I was starting from zero [last time]. With this one, I at least had a lot of work I had put in prior. So I wasn’t at zero, I felt like I was just dealing with that injury in that area. So I was able to keep that strength in other areas and just work on what I needed to work on in terms of the rehab.”
Simmons may never be the same player he was when he was a three-time All-Star with the Philadelphia 76ers. Even so, the LSU alum is still a solid, well-rounded player who can provide a boost for any team, including the Nets. The Nets currently sit as the No. 11 seed in the Eastern Conference, one season after making the playoffs as the No. 6 seed. Getting Simmons back should help them win a few more games on the basketball court and make a second-half push. The Brooklyn Nets have made the playoffs every year since the 2018-19 season. Only time will tell if the 27-year-old’s return to action can help the team extend their streak.
