Nets GM optimistic Ben Simmons can practice next week / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports Credit Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Simmons might be on the practice floor with the Brooklyn Nets next week, general manager Sean Marks said Thursday.

3-pointers this season

35%11,1Points made:11,1Accuracy:35,0%Place in standings:23Record max:22Record min:5Most made 3FGs:Patrick MillsTeamNBAStatisticsSchedule

In an interview with YES, Marks said Simmons' back stiffness delayed his ability to participate, with "no real timetable" for game action.

"He's been rehabbing this last week to 10 days, and now he'll progress throughout this week with some individual work," Marks said. "Hopefully by the end of next week he's getting more into the team environment and then we can really ramp up and get him in sort of game shape.

"We've got to take it day by day and see how he responds."

Marks said "we need to get this group together" regarding the Nets' current spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Entering Thursday's games, the Nets were eighth in the East and 1.5 games up on the Charlotte Hornets.

Point guard Kyrie Irving remains ineligible to play in home games due to New York state rules regarding vaccination against COVID-19.

Kevin Durant was back with the team Thursday against the Miami Heat for his first game since Jan. 15.

Simmons was acquired by the Nets in the trade deadline deal that sent James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers. He hasn't played this season after a stalemate with Philadelphia led the franchise to trade the former No. 1 overall pick.

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