Ben Simmons Will Be 'Full Go' for Training Camp After Back Injury, Nets' Marks Says

The Brooklyn Nets are preparing to have Ben Simmons be a full participant when they open training camp on Oct. 1.

Nets general manager Sean Marks told reporters on Thursday that the three-time All-Star will be "a full go for camp" after he had back surgery in March.

Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez echoed those words, praising Simmons for having a "very good summer" and seeming to be in a good place after three injury-plagued seasons.

Simmons has played a total of 57 games over the past three seasons due to injuries. He has undergone two different surgeries on his back during that span, including a microscopic partial discectomy on March 14 to alleviate a pinched nerve in his lower back.

There have been encouraging signs about his progress in recent weeks. His trainer has been posting videos of the veteran guard in the gym working on his shot and hyping up how healthy he looks.

It's become a running joke at this point to watch Simmons take jumpers in the gym during the offseason. He has yet to apply that skill in games, so there is no reason to take that part of his workout routine seriously.

The Nets being encouraged by his health is something entirely different. He is going to be counted on early in the season to lead a still-rebuilding roster. His upside is significant because he can pass and defend at a high level.

There is also the possibility that Simmons is auditioning for other teams, both this season and in the future. He is entering the final season of his contract with a $40.3 million salary. An expiring deal at that price point could have a lot of trade value to the Nets.

The 28-year-old making it through the season healthy will go a long way toward helping him secure a new contract from some team next summer.

The first chance to see Simmons play could come on Oct. 8 when the Nets play the Los Angeles Clippers in the preseason. They open the regular season against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Oct. 23.