Brooklyn Nets star PG Ben Simmons will not be returning in game four for his Nets debut reported ESPN’s Senior NBA Writer Adrian Wojnarowski. Simmons not playing for the entirety of the season has many fans and analysts of the basketball community in an uproar.
Meanwhile, James Harden is one win away from advancing to the second round with Philly. Had 19 points and 10 assists and six rebounds tonight.
— Barbara Barker (@meanbarb) April 21, 2022
Cmon MAN!!! Out for Game 4 when it was rumored you were going to make your debut. This dude has ZERO competitive 🔥.. As small a chance as the Nets have to come back in this series, you still have KD and Kyrie, all you need is to win ONE game and take it from there.. #ManUp pic.twitter.com/Y5smcnQkqZ
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) April 24, 2022
Enough is Enough with Ben Simmons! pic.twitter.com/y3WAlVVk3x
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 24, 2022
In pivotal game four, Simmons chooses not to return due to lower back issues and hernia strains. However, they are down 3-0 to the Boston Celtics playing their potentially final game of the season on their home court this evening. After a week and a half of ramping up, many fans were very hopeful of his return and possibly savior of this series. Yet, they were met with disappointment on the brink of a sweep to the Celtics. Nash spoke about using him in limited minutes, per ESPN.
According to sources, Simmons expresses excitement and eagerness to finally return to the court. Simmons was unable to scrimmage against the Nets’ starters. However, many suspected he was still going to be able to produce for the Nets going forward. This would have been his first appearance on the court since his meltdown against the Atlanta Hawks. In the 2020-21 season, Simmons struggled to find his rhythm and game. This meltdown turned into mental health concerns, trade requests, and back trouble for the next 10 months.
Brooklyn Nets Trading for Ben Simmons
In February, Simmons joined the 76ers along with Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, and two first-round picks in exchange for James Harden. The LSU alum is 25 years of age and due $114 million next season. The lingering question seems to be, “Is Simmons worth the money?”
The three-time All-Star will most likely step onto the floor for the beginning of next season. When Brooklyn Nets HC Steve Nash was asked about Simmons, he was appalled and seemed confused, according to Sports Illustrated.
Steve Nash says he has "no idea" on the timetable for a possible Ben Simmons return: pic.twitter.com/YWwqsoCbHz
— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) April 12, 2022
