Ben Simmons situation becoming ‘distraction’ for Nets, retired NBA champ says

Ben Simmons’ availability for the Brooklyn Nets’ NBA postseason run is in query.

Simmons has not performed in any respect in the course of the 2021-22 season. After his falling out with the Philadelphia 76ers, he was traded to the Nets with Seth Curry and Andre Drummond in February for James Harden, with hopes of Simmons having the ability to play towards the tip of the common season or postseason.

However that has but to occur and whereas studies point out Simmons may return for a recreation later within the collection in opposition to the Boston Celtics, head coach Steve Nash stated there’s a likelihood he performs and an opportunity he doesn’t play.

Kendrick Perkins, who performed on the Celtics throughout their 2008 NBA title run and is presently an analyst on ESPN, stated Friday the Nets ought to shut Simmons down.

“No, they shouldn’t. I believe they need to shut Ben Simmons down for the remainder of the season. That is turning into a distraction. You’re in essentially the most essential a part of the season. You must get able to go in opposition to a helluva squad within the Boston Celtics and also you’re fearful about if Ben Simmons is gonna return or not. He hasn’t performed since final June,” Perkins stated. “What do folks not understand with that?”

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Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets watches the Cleveland Cavaliers recreation in the course of the 2022 Play-In Match on April 12, 2022, in New York.
(Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE by way of Getty Pictures)

The previous heart stated there’s no likelihood Simmons can be adequately ready for what playoff basketball brings.

“You simply don’t stroll into the sport of basketball at its highest degree and count on this man to return out and be some sort of savior or come out and suppose this man is gonna come out and play as some sort of elite degree. The truth that Steve Nash has to reply that query is past disturbing at this level. 

Nets’ Ben Simmons watches his workforce tackle the Indiana Pacers at Barclays Heart on April 10, 2022, in Brooklyn.
(Sarah Stier/Getty Pictures)

“You’re two or three days away from Recreation 1. You need to be fearful about the way you’re gonna defend Jayson Tatum, the way you’re gonna defend Jaylen Brown, the way you’re gonna get KD and Kyrie open if the double workforce comes, issues of that nature. You shouldn’t need to be answering questions on a man who hasn’t performed since final June. And if I’m the top coach, I might say effectively you realize what – at what level can we actually convey Ben Simmons again?” 

Brooklyn beat the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday to earn the No. 7 seed within the playoffs. The purpose guard was on the bench however remains to be battling again issues.

The Related Press contributed to this report.