Brooklyn Nets coach Nash: Ben Simmons won't make season debut in regular season, also likely out of play-in games

NEW YORK — Brooklyn Nets swingman Ben Simmons will not be making his season debut in the regular season as he continues to deal with a herniated disk issue in his back. Nets coach Steve Nash said, after Monday's practice, that while he remains hopeful that Simmons will return at some point in the playoffs, he would be «shocked» if Simmons played in the Nets' play-in game next week.

«He's not running so yeah,» Nash said. «I don't see him [being ready]. I would be shocked.»

After requesting a trade from the Philadelphia 76ers last summer citing mental health concerns, Simmons was finally dealt to the Nets just before the trade deadline in February, but has not been able to play because of ongoing issues with his back. Nash said that Simmons actually made progress Monday by being able to shoot and starting to do some work with resistance bands, but the organization still has no idea when, or if, Simmons might be able to play this season.

«I mean that's a big progression just to get here,» Nash said. «So he was doing nothing on the floor. But obviously he clearly started strengthening and doing some light shooting. So super positive on one hand; on the other hand, it's not like ...we're expecting him in the lineup in the next week.»

Nash said recently that he wouldn't have a problem having Simmons make his debut in a playoff game even if he hadn't played all year. He also made it clear, Monday, that the Nets would take every precaution before putting him back on the floor.

«If he had played 65 games, this year and we're going into the playoffs, and he had a few weeks injury, maybe [you'd think about rushing the normal progression],» Nash said. «But, I think in this situation, we got to put his health and safety first and