Telling new move hints at long-awaited Ben Simmons comeback

For the first time in almost four months, Ben Simmons has appeared with his NBA team for a shoot-around, before the Brooklyn Nets' game against the Sacramento Kings.

In the first major hint that the Aussie's NBA return could be imminent after his trade from Philadelphia, Simmons was seen at the Barclays Center holding a ball and greeting his superstar new teammate, Kevin Durant.

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The Nets tweeted a seven-second video clip showing Simmons wearing a Nets sweatshirt, before he took part in a short shooting session.

According to the New York Post, Simmons didn't do "much, if any, on-court work," but he was around an actual basketball team for the first time in months.

He did practice with the Sixers early on this season, but whether he fully participated is up for debate.

Head coach Doc Rivers threw him out of a subsequent practice for being a "distraction," which led to his suspension for the season opener and his later admission that he was not mentally ready to play.

Simmons hasn't been totally inactive since he physically removed himself from Sixers activities in October.

He reportedly spent time training at various gyms around Philadelphia, trying to avoid the media (and probably his now-former teammates as well).

It's not known when Simmons might begin playing for the Nets. He hasn't played a single game this season, and may still be struggling with mental health issues.

The Nets were fully aware of Simmons' situation when they acquired him, and they know it's going to be a process to get him back on the court.

Meeting his teammates and being around them is a good way for Simmons to begin that journey.

Philadelphia traded Simmons - alongside Seth Curry and centre Andre Drummond - to the Nets in exchange for Harden in the biggest move before the trade deadline.

The bitter divorce came after the 76ers' limp post-season exit left coach Doc Rivers and star Joel Embiid critical of the Australian, who demanded a trade and was then fined for not reporting for pre-season training and skipping games.

Citing mental health issues, Simmons hasn't played for the 76ers all season.

Sixers take parting shots at Ben Simmons

Embiid was quick to take a dig at Simmons after the trade was finalised, posting a pointed meme on social media.

And Philadelphia's main sports channel was also more than happy to take a parting shot at the Aussie.

NBC Sports compared Harden and Simmons' seasons in a Twitter graphic, with a bunch of zeros in Simmons' stat line and a 'LOL' alongside his three-point percentage.

Simmons is famous for his lack of three-point attempts, one of the major gripes that Philly fans had against him.

However, new Nets teammate and fellow Aussie Patty Mills threw his support behind Simmons after welcoming his move to Brooklyn.

"I've got his back. I've always had his back and now I've got the opportunity to be with him," said Mills, who has excelled in Brooklyn since his off-season move from San Antonio.

"I've had his back from afar and I wish I was with him earlier in his career.

"I'm excited to be with him ... and help him in any way necessary and I know he is (excited) as well.

"It's going to be great for both of us."

with agencies

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