Ben Simmons to be on Brooklyn Nets bench against 76ers in Philadelphia; playing debut in flux

While it remains to be seen when new Brooklyn Nets swingman Ben Simmons will be able to make his season debut as he continues to deal with a back injury, Nets coach Steve Nash stated Simmons will join up with his new team in Philadelphia on Wednesday and will sit on the bench with the team Thursday.

Simmons, who was acquired from the 76ers last month along with Andre Drummond, Seth Curry and two future first-round picks in exchange for All-Star guard James Harden and Paul Millsap, is expected to be roundly booed Thursday after requesting a trade from the Sixers after last season, citing mental health concerns. Nash was quick with his answer Tuesday when asked if he thought it would be good for Simmons to be in that environment in Philadelphia.

“It’s great,” Nash said. “He’s on our team, he needs to be with his teammates and get the whole Philly thing out of the way a little bit. Maybe it never goes away, but the first time it’s always nice to kind of deal with it and move on.”

Nash said he would be “happy to talk” to Simmons in regards to the reception he’s expected to get, but he said he is confident the 25-year-old former All-Star knows what’s coming.

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“I don’t think he’s naive [enough] to think he’s not going to get some boos,” Nash said. “I hope he enjoys it. It’s a part of the game I miss.”

As far as when Simmons might be able to play again, that is a question that still does not have a clear-cut answer. Simmons was positive about playing in Philadelphia during his introductory news conference, but he has been dealing with back soreness over the last 1½ weeks as he tries to get closer to playing again for the first time in over nine months. Simmons still hasn’t been cleared to practice and it is unclear when he will be able to do so.

The Nets’ next formal practice is scheduled for Saturday in Brooklyn.

Drummond figures to play a little more than usual over the next few matches given that Nash said center LaMarcus Aldridge will be out for at least the next two matches after having an MRI on his right hip. The Nets come into Tuesday’s game versus the Charlotte Hornets with a 32-33 record, tied with the Hornets for eighth place in the Eastern Conference. They have lost 17 of their last 20 games.

Despite what’s going on in the standings, Nash knows much of the focus Thursday will be on Simmons’ return to Philadelphia.

“Your first time back in any city after a trade is always a little different and awkward,” Nash said. “And obviously there’s a history there so it is what it is, he’ll be fine. He’s a big boy and he’s excited to join our team and all that stuff. He wants to be there on the bench with his teammates.”

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