Simmons Brooklyn debut ‘weeks rather than months’ away

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons will reportedly “really ramp it up” following the All-Star break as he targets a season debut as early next month, per Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.

“Ben Simmons, from what I’m told, is going to really ramp it up this week and see where he’s at at the end of the week,” Shelburne said on NBA Today.

“He’s getting close … It’s going to be more like weeks rather than months.”

The former-76er was acquired by Brooklyn along with Seth Curry, Andre Drummond and two first-rounders in a deal prior to the deadline for James Harden and Paul Millsap. He is yet to suit up for a game this season, citing mental health issues, but has been present at Nets’ practices and games.

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The Nets currently sit at eighth in the Eastern Conference at 31-28 and are still without Kevin Durant who is recovering from a knee issue, as well as Kyrie Irving for home games due to his vaccination status. The Nets have lost 12 of their past 14 games and find themselves staring at a potential play-in scenario, however, reinforcements may be on the way.

Durant’s return appears imminent, whilst New York mayor Eric Adams voiced his hope to phase out vaccine mandates in the coming weeks, which would open the door for Kyrie Irving to be available for all home games.

On the season, Durant is putting up 29.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 5.8 apg on 52% from the field, whilst Irving has averaged 24.1 ppg and 5.4 apg in his 14 starts. Simmons’ lack of shooting is still a concern, as is his tendency to struggle come playoff time, however, his elite defensive ability and playmaking will be welcome additions for a Nets team that is currently free-falling.

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