The Brooklyn Nets pulled off a blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia 76ers right before the NBA trade deadline that is already paying dividends. Seth Curry and Andre Drummond were both inserted into the starting lineup immediately and have played well.
Curry is helping with some of the playmaking whenever Kyrie Irving is not in the lineup and is replacing the shooting that the team lost when Joe Harris was injured. Drummond is filling the void they had in the middle and remains one of the best rebounders in the NBA.
However, the team is still patiently waiting to see the centerpiece of the deal, Ben Simmons, get on the court. Simmons has not played yet this season as he was working on his mental health while awaiting a trade from the 76ers.
But, it could still be a little while before we see Simmons back on the court. According to Ramona Shelburne during a recent appearance on NBA Today, it could be weeks until he is ready to play.
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“Ben Simmons, from what I’m told, is going to really ramp it up this week and see where he’s at at the end of the week, but he’s getting close. I don’t think it’s going to–it’s going to be more like weeks rather than months.”
Brooklyn’s signing of Goran Dragic probably is a good indicator that they are truly unsure of when Ben Simmons will get back on the court. Dragic provides the team with another option at point guard, for the time being, something they need since Irving is still only a part-time player.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Will Trade For Ben Simmons Save Brooklyn Nets’ Season?
But, that’s certainly encouraging that Simmons seems to be making real progress to get back on the court. It has been something he has battled with longer than anyone knew, as during his press conference he revealed things were weighing on him well before the 2021 postseason, where his lack of confidence offensively was on full display.
If Ben Simmons can overcome his issues and get back to a good place mentally, the Brooklyn Nets will be getting quite a player. He is one of the most versatile defensive players in the NBA and should fit in well alongside offensive-minded players such as Kevin Durant and Irving.
