Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons (10) poses for a photo during media day at HSS Training Center. Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Simmons to make Nets debut Monday against 76ers

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/2/22

Ben Simmons hasn't played in an NBA game since June of 2021. However, the three-time All-Star might finally be ready to return to the floor.

After missing the 2022 season dealing with mental health issues and a back injury that eventually required surgery, Simmons will reportedly debut for the Brooklyn Nets in their preseason opener on Monday.

Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Ben Simmons will all play in the Nets’ preseason opener tomorrow. Yay.
— Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) October 2, 2022

Simmons' return would be enough to garner attention, but Monday's preseason game has an added wrinkle, as it will come against his ex-squad, the Philadelphia 76ers.

Selected No. 1 overall by the Sixers in the 2016 NBA Draft, Simmons spent four up-and-down seasons in Philadelphia. Ultimately, the Sixers traded Simmons to the Nets ahead of last season's trade deadline as part of a package for All-Star James Harden.

Simmons recently spoke about his time in Philadelphia for the first time as a guest on J.J. Redick's Old Man & The Three podcast.

While Simmons didn't deny that Philly was a difficult place to play, he said his time there was "incredible," adding that he was "able to learn and grow" there.

"Philly's great," Simmons said. "I think people think I hate it."

In Simmons' last full season, 2020-2021, he averaged 14.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.9 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, earning his third consecutive All-Star nod.

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