Nash: Simmons in 'pretty good place mentally,' Nets debut still TBD

Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash is unsure when new marquee acquisition Ben Simmons will be available to make his team debut, but his early impression of the former Philadelphia 76ers star is positive.

"I think he's in a pretty good place mentally," Nash told reporters ahead of Monday's encounter against the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell. "And if we work with him here - in conjunction with his physical ramp-up - to make sure he's comfortable on and off the floor, I think he'll be ready to play mentally when he's physically ready."

Simmons sat out the entire season to date in Philadelphia, reportedly informing the franchise that he didn't feel mentally ready to play. On Thursday's trade deadline day, the 76ers sent the disgruntled ball-handler, plus Seth Curry and Andre Drummond, to the Nets in exchange for star guard James Harden and forward Paul Millsap.

Ahead of Monday's contest, Simmons appeared to be in a good mood. In one of his first public appearances in weeks, the 25-year-old participated in the team's shootaround session earlier in the day, where he greeted new teammate Kevin Durant. And while he wasn't listed as active against the Kings, Simmons seemingly shared a laugh with Drummond as he watched his new team from the bench.

Nash stressed that the club wouldn't rush the three-time All-Star onto the floor despite the team's 11-game losing streak entering Monday's game.

"I think it has to come naturally," he said. "It hurts to suffer like this and lose games. At the same time, we have to have the big picture in mind. And while we go out and try to win every night, we can't skip steps. We have to be as thoughtful and as methodical with our approach as we can.

"And if it all comes together seamlessly, that'd be great. But if not, we stick to our process and continue to build that cohesion and understanding, and whatever time it takes, it takes."