Seth Curry says Ben Simmons is facing a challenging return after long absence

Over the past year, Seth Curry has had a unique position from which to observe Ben Simmons.

Both he and Simmons were members of the Philadelphia 76ers, and both were dealt to the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the NBA trade deadline last season.

Because of that, Curry has a perspective on Simmons that few others possess. Recently, he discussed what issues may arise as Simmons works his way back onto the basketball court.

“There are always challenges. Foremost, he has missed a whole season. It is going to be a challenge getting his rhythm back playing basketball,” Curry told The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.

“I don’t know specifically what he has been through, mentally — that’s hard for me to comment on — but having that year off, having that time off, of competing and playing five-on-five basketball is going to be just as hard … just taking some time and getting re-acclimated to playing high-level basketball, but he is a special talent, has all the skills.

“The Nets need him on the floor.”

The situation surrounding Simmons speaks for itself. He cited back problems as a reason why he couldn’t return for his new squad’s postseason run, which led to the Nets getting swept out of the first round of the 2021-22 playoffs.

Thus far, Simmons hasn’t really endeared himself to Nets fans. Time will tell if that changes.

Curry, meanwhile, is exactly what Brooklyn needs — but he is a name frequently floated in conversations regarding a Kyrie Irving trade. It will be interesting to see where he ultimately suits up next season.

Curry has actually been in the headlines quite a bit over the past few weeks. Recently he went viral when he described in great detail the two things that he does better than his brother, Steph. It’s easy to see why that caught people’s eye.

The 2022-23 season is still some ways away, and it’s unclear whether one or both of Curry and/or Simmons will be on the Nets’ roster when it commences.