Ben Simmons is set to make his debut with the Nets in Game 4 of the playoff series against the Celtics, according to reports.
The guard, who was acquired from Philadelphia in February, has not played all season because of a litany of issues, including clashes with 76ers management prior to the trade, and a back issue.
Simmons struggled mightily with Philadelphia last season. With a playoff series against the Hawks on the line, the former No. 1 overall pick passed up a chance to be a potential postseason hero, yielding the ball to teammate Matisse Thybulle during a key moment in Game 7 before the 76ers were eliminated by Atlanta.
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That decision, combined with a poor showing at the free throw line in the playoffs — he went 25 for 73 (34 percent) from the line — left a negative taste in the mouths of many in Philadelphia.
In August, Simmons demanded to be traded. He missed training camp, and while he reported to the team in October, he was thrown out of his first practice by coach Doc Rivers. After Simmons incurred a series of fines, he was eventually dealt to Brooklyn in a package deal that ended up sending James Harden to the 76ers.
The Celtics lead the best-of-seven series, 2-0. Game 3 is Saturday, and Game 4 is Monday.
Simmons, 25, has averaged 15.9 points per game in his career.
Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him @cpriceglobe.