Saturday evening, the Brooklyn Nets managed to nab their first win since January 19 in a hard-fought bout against the Houston Rockets. Now, heading into Monday, they'll be looking to claim their first string of consecutive victories in 2024 in a home bout against the Utah Jazz and, fortunately for them, it seems they'll have some added reinforcements available as they aim to achieve this goal.
Per numerous reports, the ball club has officially activated Ben Simmons following a successful practice run with their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets this past weekend.
With this, Monday will serve as the first time since November 6 that the point guard will be seen participating in in-game action, as he's been sidelined for 38 straight games due to a lower back nerve impingement.
Needless to say, fans of the franchise are elated to hear such news, as they've now drowned social media with words of optimism and excitment about the former All-Star's impending return.
Nets fans share excitement about Ben Simmons return on social media
One user on X (formerly Twitter) shared a post expressing their enthusiasm of finally getting to see Simmons running in a lineup alongside a now-healthy Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton.
Ben Simmons has played just one game with Cam Johnson and Nic Claxton this season — opening night when Johnson was on a minutes restrictions.
— Billy Reinhardt (@BillyReinhardt) January 29, 2024
Integrating Simmons with Johnson & Claxton now healthy will be a new experience for this group tonight.
Another fan approached the news of the guard's return in a similar vein as one celebrating a holiday.
Happy Ben Simmons day to all who celebrate and are interested. Likely returns tonight.
— Evan Barnes (@evan_b) January 29, 2024
And Cam Johnson is back after being out Saturday for personal reasons. #Nets pic.twitter.com/JCyd1Zj1ym
One fan seemed to show excitement over the sheer thought of getting Simmons' passing skills back into the Nets rotation, something they've sorely missed throughout his absence.
BEN SIMMONS PASSES THE BASKETBALL TODAY pic.twitter.com/1bPvm3CX6c
— BKN 85 (@brooklynnets85) January 29, 2024
Funny enough, fans weren't the only ones who were seen voicing their happiness over the return of Ben Simmons, as Brian Lewis of the New York Post shared highly complementary comments from Nic Claxton regarding his teammate's impact on the Nets.
"“He definitely helps us. It's good to see him back with a group. Of course, he brings just an extremely high basketball IQ, being able to defend multiple positions on the defensive side of the ball, rebound.”"Nic Claxton, via Brian Lewis
In six games played this season Simmons has posted solid averages of 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists while shooting 52.8 percent from the floor.
With him back in the lineup, the hope now is that the Nets can find a much easier time coming across scoring opportunities thanks to his high-end table-setting skills and see a sound boost on the less glamorous side of the ball with his All-Defensive-brand of play.