NBA Rumors: Nets May Have Hinted At Ben Simmons' Possible Postseason Return

Ben Simmons appears to be doing well in his rehabilitation as the Brooklyn Nets approach the postseason.

A prolonged back injury has seen Simmons being sidelined for the entire 2021-22 NBA season. While still recovering, it was revealed that the All-Star guard is currently dealing with “a herniated L-4 disc,” Brian Lewis of the New York Post reported.

However, the Nets’ recently uploaded team practice video appears to suggest a different story. In the 43-second clip, a seemingly healthy Simmons could be seen sweating and draining a couple of jump shots.

The video sparked rumors that the 25-year-old could be edging closer to his return and long-awaited Nets debut.

Lifting the lid on Simmons’ current status, Nets star forward Kevin Durant said that his new teammate has been “doing good ... as far as just walking around and being around the team” goes.

The video might suggest that Simmons may have been working out with the team, but Durant said that his teammate has only done some “walkthrough things” so far.

“He’s doing good,” Durant said. “He looks good as far as just walking around and being around the team. Haven’t seen him do anything on the basketball court as much but a couple [of] walkthrough things.”

“But I think his spirits are in the right place and he’s excited to be a part of the group and [we’re] looking forward to having him out on the floor,” he added. “I definitely don’t want him to rush back for us and his back is not right, so take all the time he needs to get his body right. And once he’s out there, we’re ready to rock and roll.”

As for what Simmons can bring to the table, Durant is confident that the Nets newcomer can significantly contribute both on the offensive and the defensive ends.

“Just gives us some more size, someone that can handle the basketball,” the 12-time NBA All-Star said of Simmons. “It’s always good having someone that can penetrate and touch the paint, that always brings good results when you can do that. Ben is elite at that.”

“Obviously, switching out on defense and being able to cover different body types on the floor is going to help us as well,” he continued. “I just like his overall game. You can’t box him in. He’s a basketball player. I think he’ll just provide what we need, and it may be different every night for him.”