After meeting with Brooklyn Nets, mental health remains focus of Ben Simmons return, sources say

In a meeting with Brooklyn Nets leadership on Monday afternoon, Ben Simmons and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul met on the physical and mental hurdles remaining on the All-Star's pursuit of a return to play, a discussion that made clear to the participants a need to keep addressing the mental side of that process, sources told ESPN.

Simmons reiterated what he's consistently told team officials since his arrival from the Philadelphia 76ers on February 10: He wants to play and perform for the Nets as soon as possible, and still isn't ruling out that happening this season should the Nets survive Monday's elimination game against the Boston Celtics, sources said. Boston leads the best-of-seven series, 3-0.

The Nets made clear to Simmons and Paul that the organization plans to continue giving the three-time All-Star every resource necessary in the short and long-term, sources said.

After nearly two weeks of pain-free ramp-up, the Nets and Simmons believed he was on the cusp of playing until Simmons arrived at the team's practice facility on Sunday reporting a return of back soreness. Simmons had been rehabilitating a herniated disc in his lower back and had repeatedly expressed his eagerness to return in this series against Celtics and, perhaps, provide some defense on Boston's elite wing players, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

The Nets were clearly disappointed on Sunday to learn of Simmons, 25, describe his physical setback, but conversations on Monday with Simmons and Paul were described as candid and detailed about the challenges that remain and reaffirming of the idea that Simmons is determined to find his way back to the court, sources said.

Simmons, a three-time All-Star and the 2017 NBA Rookie of the Year, has three years