Nets provide positive update on Ben Simmons' status for this season

The Brooklyn Nets aren't entering this season with the star-studded cast they've started the past few years with, but they have one All-Star talent in Ben Simmons, whose health will significantly impact their playoff outlook.

And speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Nets HC Jacque Vaughn gave a promising update on Simmons' status for the start of the season. Vaughn revealed that Simmons, who last played on Feb. 15 due to a nerve impingement in his back, has progressed enough in his rehab to where he's playing five-on-five without restrictions and should be ready for training camp.

Simmons missed the entire 2021-22 season after holding out for a trade from Philadelphia in addition to dealing with mental health and back issues. The former Rookie of the Year finally suited up for the Nets last season, though he didn't look like the same player he was at the beginning of his career. In 42 games, Simmons averaged 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists while battling knee and back injuries. 

Vaughn also revealed that there's an agreement" in place that Simmons will play point guard in the season's early stages. As long as the 6-foot-10 versatile defender is "playing at a consistent and high level," Vaughn says that the position should be Simmons' full-time role. Even so, that still doesn't imply Simmons will be Brooklyn's starting point guard.

After the Nets sold off superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline, Spencer Dinwiddie, who was acquired from Dallas, started at point guard for the remainder of the season. Dinwiddie had a stellar start to his second act in Brooklyn, averaging 16.5 points, 9.1 assists and 4.1 rebounds in 26 regular season games.

While Simmons has shown in the past that he's capable of being an elite playmaker, Dinwiddie is a reliable option as the primary ball handler and probably offers more offensively. Yet, if Simmons returns to his All-Star form, his defense would be too valuable for the Nets not to have in the starting lineup.

However, it's not guaranteed that the 27-year-old can bounce back in that way, and the Nets will have to determine during training camp if the Simmons they're getting is competent enough to trust in that role. 

The Nets open training camp on Oct. 3 and will play their first preseason game in Las Vegas against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 9.