When will Ben Simmons play? Potential time frame for Nets debut after blockbuster 76ers trade

Ben Simmons got his wish. After a 54-game holdout, Simmons has been traded away from the 76ers.

Simmons’ new destination? The Nets, as he was traded in a package that sent former MVP James Harden to the Sixers at the trade deadline.

James Harden-Ben Simmons trade: Details | Grades

While Simmons is certainly a worthy return for Harden, his ability to have an immediate impact on the Nets franchise is a bit more complicated than what meets the eye.

As Simmons has held out for the entirety of the 2021-22 NBA season, he hasn’t logged a minute in an NBA game since Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals on June 20, 2021.

That said, getting Simmons game ready will be an uphill battle, so when will he make his Nets debut?

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When will Ben Simmons debut for the Nets?

On Feb. 26, Nets head coach Steve Nash said that Simmons has yet to take part in a high-intensity workout, per Alex Schiffer of The Athletic. He has instead been doing skill work, physio and individual work since joining the team.

Later in the day, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that Simmons is dealing with back soreness in the “reconditioning process that requires further strengthening” before he can return to action.

Charania added that there is no timetable for Simmons’ return, but it’s being treated as a day-to-day process.

Brooklyn has no set timetable for Simmons’ return. It’s uncertain whether the three-time All-Star will clear necessary return-to-play hurdles for Nets’ March 10 return trip to Philadelphia, but team is treating as a day-to-day process. https://t.co/SnWVQeSWPS

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2022

When Simmons spoke to the media on Feb. 15, he said that he didn’t have a timetable for playing again but “I’m starting to ramp it up.”

Nets schedule 2021-22

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