Sixers Rival Report: Do Nets Expect Limitations for Ben Simmons?

Ben Simmons’s Brooklyn Nets era hasn’t exactly gone according to plan. Since receiving his wish to be traded away by the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons has appeared in just 42 total games across the last season and a half.

During the 2021-2022 NBA season, Simmons held out from the Sixers up until the trade deadline. After he was traded away in the blockbuster deal that landed Philly James Harden, Simmons was ramping up and getting ready for his Brooklyn debut.

While working on getting back in shape, Simmons suffered a setback. Soon, Simmons was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back. He ended up missing the entire regular season, although he was recently credited for the year. And while there were rumors of Simmons potentially playing for Brooklyn during the playoffs, he never saw the court in their quick four-game run.

Last season, Simmons made his Brooklyn debut at last, but he was far from the player he was in Philadelphia. In his most recent showing with the Sixers, Simmons averaged 14 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds. He was named an All-Star for his two-way success.

During his first season with the Nets, Simmons averaged seven points, six assists, and six rebounds. He appeared in 42 games during the regular season. Midway through the year, Simmons started dealing with knee soreness. Not long after battling knee soreness, his back issues came up once again. While the Nets waited a while to rule him out for the entire regular season, a nerve impingement diagnosis led Brooklyn to confirm Simmons would not be playing for the rest of the season.

Once again, the Nets made a run for the playoffs, but it ended shortly as the Sixers swept them in the first round. Following another disappointing season for Simmons, the future of the three-time All-Star remained in question. However, Brooklyn anticipates everything to look up soon, as Simmons is reportedly 100 percent just months ahead of training camp, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.

A lot can change over time, but it seems the Nets are holding out hope for Simmons to return to his Philadelphia form. According to the former Sixer’s agent, Simmons should be without limitations when he next takes the court. With a much different roster in place, Simmons will have an opportunity to carve out a role for himself that’s similar to his runs with the Sixers a few years back.