On April 4, Beijing time, the 2021-22 NBA regular season entered a rest day. So far, the Nets have a record of 40 wins and 38 losses, ranking only 10th in the East. They've locked up a playoff spot with the only suspense of passing two or one, which also dims the Nets' prospects.
For the Nets, when Simmons will be able to return has become crucial. Earlier today, Nets coach Nash talked about Simmons' recovery, saying bluntly that Simmons' current recovery pace is not up to date with the team's playoffs. According to previous reports, Simmons suffered an injury to the lumbar intervertebral disc and is expected to return to the field during the playoffs. It has to be said that for the Nets, this is undoubtedly bad news.
As for how far the Nets can go without Simmons, former NBA champion Richard Jefferson, who played for the Nets, said: "The Nets are the biggest favorite to win the championship? No, that's stupid. Unless Simmons can come back and return to the 75% level. Otherwise they are not favourites to win the championship at all. Of course, they have the ability to beat a team in the first round, but it's too hard to keep playing at that level until the Finals. They're missing so much, do they have talent? Yes, but are these talented players playing together? Do they have continuity? Do they have the high level of defense that a championship team needs? ”
As Jefferson said, the Nets' strongest lineup hasn't played together this season, and they lack the experience of running-in and important games. In that case, it's hard for the Nets to go further. And now Simmons can only return in the playoffs, which undoubtedly aggravates the Crisis of the Nets.