Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback hits roadblock

Ben Simmons’ NBA comeback has been pushed back after it emerged he would be sidelined indefinitely with a niggling injury.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 24: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the first half against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center on February 24, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images)

Ben Simmons’ Brooklyn Nets debut will be delayed after it emerged he is suffering from back soreness.

The Australian-born guard refused to play for the Philadelphia 76ers this season but was finally traded to the Nets in a blockbuster trade for James Harden at the mid-season deadline earlier this month.

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Simmons has been sitting courtside at Nets games cheering on his new teammates but it seems he will have to wait a little while longer before he joins them on court.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Simmons is “dealing with back soreness” and will need an extended period of time to recondition his back.

This is reportedly no timeline for Simmons' return and it now appears increasingly unlikely he will suit up for the Nets in the hotly-anticipated clash between Simmons’ Brooklyn and his old team the Sixers on March 10.

Nets coach Steve Nash confirmed Simmons is under a fitness cloud but was reluctant to call his charge’s niggle an injury.

Ben Simmons’ long-awaited Brooklyn Nets debut has been delayed. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

“I just saw the reports,” Nash said.

“It’s been the same process. It’s just a little soreness in his back.

“It’s not like an injury. It’s just as he’s returning to play, his back has flared up a little bit.

“He hasn’t played a game since June so that’s just part of his process of returning to play is as you ramp up, he’s a little susceptible to certain things as you would be with muscle soreness or tightness. He’s got a little tightness.”

There are now just 21 games left in the NBA regular season and with Brooklyn languishing in eighth in the Eastern Conference standings, the Nets will be desperate for Simmons and Kevin Durant to return as soon as possible.

It’s been a long time since Simmons last played an NBA game. (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the man Simmons was traded for, James Harden, enjoyed an excellent debut for Philadelphia in the Sixers’ dominant win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

He worked superbly in tandem with Philly big man Joel Embiid as coach Doc Rivers successfully staggered the court time of his two stars players.

In a scary warning for the NBA, Harden finished with 27 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds, while Embiid had 34 points, 10 rebounds and three assists.