Although his return to the game will be long overdue, Ben Simmons will be at the Brooklyn Nets for the game with his former 76ers teammates in Philadelphia on Thursday.

Simmons was acquired by the Nets along with Andre Drummond, Seth Curry and two first-round pick last month for James Harden and Paul Millsap.

Simmons was left out while with the Sixers this season and asked to be traded for mental health reasons. Although he may not be well received by his former supporters, coach Steve Nash believes it is good that he can live this chapter to turn the page afterwards.

“He is part of our team and he must be with his teammates. He will be able to put aside all this situation with Philly for a while. “It may never really go away, but it’s always good to live for the first time to move on.”

Simmons had been hoping for a comeback to play against the 76ers, but has been plagued with back pain for just under two weeks. The coach does not want to rush things in his case and takes the time to assess his state of health on a daily basis.

He will currently be with his teammates on the bench.