Report: Ben Simmons Ready For Full Practice; Update On Potential Return

NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski had a big update this morning on Ben Simmons' impending return to basketball. And the news is promising for his Brooklyn Nets as they get set to face a very tough Boston Celtics team in their first-round series. 

ESPN Sources: After running and shooting pain-free for over a week, the Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons is expected to take the next step on the court in the coming week: Beginning to go against teammates on the practice floor.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 16, 2022

"I'm told now," said Woj on NBA Countdown, "this coming week to expect him on the court practicing against teammates. That'll be a significant step for him; he's been 1-on-0 the past week. But he's been pain-free, and running around, shooting."

Simmons has been unable to go full-out due to a herniated disc in his back that's kept him out ever since the trade deadline deal with Philadelphia.

"The hope is that if he stays pain-free," added Wojnarowski, "and (continues) making this progress, that at some point in this Boston-Brooklyn series, you could see Ben Simmons, perhaps sometime Game 4, 5, later on in the series. But this will be another important week (for Simmons)."

From all indications, the Nets are really just hoping they can get 10-15 minutes a game from Simmons once he returns, which would be a big boost for the team that's in desperate need of the defensive spark he could bring.

Game 1, in Boston, is Sunday. 

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports