Windhorst: Simmons eyeing a Game 4, 5, or 6 return

[jpotter33]

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10032649-windhorst-ben-simmons-targeting-nets-debut-as-early-as-game-4-vs-celtics

Thought this was newsworthy.

Though I still feel as if much of this is primarily for “show” and not actually legitimate. I fail to see the logic of the Nets having Simmons coming back in such a situation - brand new team, not played all year, nagging injuries, but most importantly mental/confidence issues.

It just makes no sense whatsoever to me to throw him into the middle of a super competitive series like this with his confidence issues and expect there not to be risks and for the benefits of him playing outweighing those risks. I think that’s incredibly bad management from the Nets, and even basketball-wise it’s questionable how much benefit he would have in this context.

That said, if he does come back I hope we immediately start hacking him and putting him on the free throw line. You know that would immediately hit his psyche and have him questioning himself, making him less valuable on the floor.

[hpantazo]

I see your Ben Simmons and I raise you a Robert Williams.

[libermaniac]

I see your Ben Simmons and I raise you a Robert Williams.

Ha ha. Love it. TP

[ConnerHenry]

Always skeptical when Klutch PR Agent/ESPN Reporter Windhorst gives updates on players managed by Rich Paul

[Roy H.]

Part of me wants him back as soon as possible.  He's already a questionable playoff performer.  Add a back injury and rust to that, and you've got a player who is probably a liability.

[tazzmaniac]

I agree it doesn't make much sense.  Seems like it would be a much better chance for negative results than anything good.  Only way I might do it was in a late game situation where you need a defensive stop.  I guess if the Nets were up 3-0 they could bring him in to get him some playing time before the next series. 

[Celtics2021]

If the Nets are down 3-0 or 3-1, I could see him coming back, because they’d need something to change up the energy.  And as I see the Nets getting down by that margin in this series, I do anticipate a brief Ben Simmons sighting.

[Donoghus]

Nice to see Windy is still in Klutch's good graces.

Still waiting on that Lebron/Lakers expose, though.  Or maybe he's letting Ramona take that one.

[RMO]

Part of me wants him back as soon as possible.  He's already a questionable playoff performer.  Add a back injury and rust to that, and you've got a player who is probably a liability.

I wish there was a way they could start hacking him in the opening seconds of the game and intentionally send him to the free throw line. 

[Phantom255x]

This is why we signed Matt Ryan and those other fringe guys. Each of them carry 6 fouls to use on Simmons 

[Who]

Reminds me of that series against Miami's Big 3 10 years or so ago where the Celtics were winning the series and looks favourites to go through but then Chris Bosh returns and changes the whole tide of the series.

Bosh did not dominate by any means but he was enough of a threat to change the series. Miami had no reliable big man shooting or scoring without him. They were a two-man team with Wade and LeBron. Boston was able to load up on them and did not need to be worried about others. Bosh came back and gave them a floor spacing big man. He pulled KG out of the paint as the defensive anchor. That was enough to swing the series in the other direction.

I wonder if Ben Simmons can do similarly for Brooklyn ...

[colincb]

If the Nets are down 3-0 or 3-1, I could see him coming back, because they’d need something to change up the energy.  And as I see the Nets getting down by that margin in this series, I do anticipate a brief Ben Simmons sighting.

TP.  In case of  fire, break glass.

[Moranis]

Reminds me of that series against Miami's Big 3 10 years or so ago where the Celtics were winning the series and looks favourites to go through but then Chris Bosh returns and changes the whole tide of the series.

Bosh did not dominate by any means but he was enough of a threat to change the series. Miami had no reliable big man shooting or scoring without him. They were a two-man team with Wade and LeBron. Boston was able to load up on them and did not need to be worried about others. Bosh came back and gave them a floor spacing big man. He pulled KG out of the paint as the defensive anchor. That was enough to swing the series in the other direction.

I wonder if Ben Simmons can do similarly for Brooklyn ...

I actually had the same thought. Miami was just so much better with Bosh.  The series was over the minute he stepped foot on the floor.  I have no idea what Simmons will be able to do, but if he can move, he could have a tremendous impact defensively.  Even just altering one defensive possession could alter the outcome of a close game and a close series.   

[moiso]

He's aiming for a game 5 or 6 return because he knows the Celts will have wrapped it up by then

[td450]

We are 3 days out from the series starting, and reports are he hasn't started paying 5 on 5 yet after not playing since last year's playoffs. It seems like an insane thing for anyone to try, but even more so for him.

Celtics fans should be rooting for this to be true.