Nets' Seth Curry says it will be 'a challenge' for Ben Simmons to get his 'rhythm'

Brooklyn Nets point guard Ben Simmons hasn't played in an NBA game in over a calendar year. 

Furthermore, he's yet to wear a Nets uniform since being acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade involving star James Harden ahead of last season's NBA trade deadline. 

While Simmons plans to retake the hardwood for the 2022-23 season, teammate Seth Curry believes the three-time All-star's comeback will be challenging. 

"There are always challenges. Foremost, he has missed a whole season,' Curry said to Australian newspapers The Age and Sydney Morning Herald on Sunday. "It is going to be a challenge getting his rhythm back playing basketball."

"We are going to need what he brings to the table," Curry added. "Obviously, he is an All-Star caliber player." 

Simmons underwent successful back surgery on May 5 after the Boston Celtics swept the Nets in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs. He's expected to be fully recovered in time for training camp. 

The Sixers made Simmons the No. 1 pick out of LSU in the 2016 draft. Over five-plus seasons in Philly, Simmons earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2017-18, two All-Defensive team nods, while being named to the All-NBA team in 2019-20. 

In his last full season in the NBA, 2020-21, Simmons averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists and 1.6 steals in 58 games. In 12 postseason games, Simmons averaged 11.9 points, 8.8 assists, 7.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals.