Ben Simmons to be on Brooklyn Nets bench against 76ers in Philadelphia; playing debut in flux

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While it remains to be seen when new Brooklyn Nets swingman Ben Simmons will be able to make his season debut as he continues to deal with a back injury, Nets coach Steve Nash said Simmons will join up with his new team in Philadelphia on Wednesday and will sit on the bench with the team Thursday.

Simmons, who was acquired from the Sixers last month along with Andre Drummond, Seth Curry and two future first-round picks in exchange for All-Star guard James Harden and Paul Millsap, is expected to be roundly booed Thursday after requesting a trade from the Sixers after last season, citing mental health concerns. Nash was quick with his answer Tuesday when asked if he thought it would be good for Simmons to be in that environment in Philadelphia.

«It's great,» Nash said. «He's on our team, he needs to be with his teammates and get the whole Philly thing out of the way a little bit. Maybe it never goes away, but the first time it's always nice to kind of deal with it and move on.»

Nash said he would be «happy to talk» to Simmons about the reception he's expected to get, but he said he is confident the 25-year-old former All-Star knows what's coming.

«I don't think he's naive to think he's not going to get some boos,» Nash said. «I hope he enjoys it. It's a part of the game I miss.»

As far as when Simmons might be able to play again, that is a question that still does not have a clear-cut answer. Simmons was optimistic about playing in Philadelphia during his introductory news conference, but he has been dealing with back soreness over the last week and a half as he tries to get closer to playing again for the first time in over nine months. Simmons still hasn't been cleared to practice and it is unclear when