Ben Simmons sets target dates for Nets debut in playoff vs. Celtics

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is hoping to make his debut in the playoffs after dealing with a back injury since his trade.

The blockbuster trade that brought Ben Simmons to Brooklyn still hasn’t paid off with the All-Star guard dealing with a back injury.

But the time could soon come for Simmons to finally make his debut with his new team.

If everything goes to plan, Simmons could suit up for the back half of the Nets‘ first-round series with the Celtics.

Ben Simmons update: Nets guard aims for first-round return

“Sources: Nets three-time All-Star Ben Simmons is targeting a return within Games 4-6 (April 25-29) of first round series vs. Celtics,” Charania reported on Thursday.

Game 4 is scheduled for Monday, April 25. If Game 5 and 6 are necessary, they will be played on April 27 and 29.

Head coach Steve Nash told reporters on Thursday he’s not banking on Simmons being available.

“It’s up to Ben’s back. It’s not up to me or any of us other than his back. And how we can help that resolve, great. But, you know, there’s a chance Ben comes back; there’s a chance he doesn’t come back,” Nash said per CBS Sports. “So I think for us, we gotta focus on the group, support Ben in his journey to get back on the floor but at the same time we don’t have time to lose focus on the group that’s playing.

Simmons hasn’t played since June last year when he came under heavy criticism for his performance in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Hawks. No play better represented the cause for that criticism than when he passed up a wide-open dunk, seemingly skittish over his shooting woes.

A falling out with the 76ers occupied most of the offseason as trade rumors ran rampant. However, Philadelphia didn’t find a trade partner before the start of the new season. Still, Simmons didn’t play.

Eventually, the Nets came calling, sending their disgruntled star James Harden to Philadephia in exchange for Simmons.

Harden made his 76ers debut in late February but Simmons hasn’t been able to get going with the Nets because of his ailing back.