With Harden gone, it's still unknown what the Nets can achieve this season, and the biggest chip for trading Harden is Ben Simmons. But Ben Simmons hasn't played yet this season, didn't want to play for the team in Philadelphia, never played, and is still in the process of recovering!
There had been previous news that Ben Simmons wanted to make a comeback against Philadelphia, but it has been a little difficult to fulfill this wish lately. According to Shams, Ben Simmons suffered back pain while returning to match form and needed to strengthen muscles in the area for a while before he could continue his recovery. The Nets did not give Ben Simmons a specific rehabilitation schedule, and it is still unknown when he will be able to make a comeback!
And recently Woj also talked about Ben Simmons on the live broadcast, he said that Ben Simmons will not come back this week, everyone in the league is watching Philadelphia's game against the Nets, but what I know is that game is not going to be Ben Simmons' debut this season, but it is not certain whether he will come back before that game or after, in short, he will follow Durant's pace!
As things stand, it may be a while before Ben Simmons returns, and it's probably a good thing to be back before the playoffs start. And for the Nets, they really need the core players to be able to return as soon as possible, at present they can't afford to lose, and if they lose again, they have to play the playoff game completely!
In the end, the deal about Harden is to make money or lose, in fact, it is largely to see the play of Ben Simmons, since Ben Simmons has not yet reached the best state, then it is good not to play against Philadelphia, otherwise it will be booed by the opponent, after all, the game is played at the home of Philadelphia!