NEW ORLEANS — The Nets' backcourt is nearing completion, with Lonnie Walker IV nearing a return and Ben Simmons taking big steps in his rehab, according to officials.
Multiple sources told The Post that Simmons is “making good progress” in his recovery from nerve damage in his left lower back.
Both said the point guard is expected to be allowed to go 2-on-2 when the Nets return home from this four-game road swing.
They will play in New Orleans on Tuesday, finish their trip in Houston on Wednesday, and return home with an off day on Thursday.
Simmons has been limited to just six games this season and hasn't appeared in a game since Nov. 6.
But he's averaging 10.8 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 6.5 points when he's down, and the Nets could desperately use his size, defense and playmaking.
The next step in his progression is 3-on-3 and full 5-on-5 with players.
Walker, meanwhile, could return as early as Friday's home game against Oklahoma City.
Tuesday's 112-85 loss to the Pelicans was the 16th consecutive game he missed with a left hamstring strain, and he is expected to miss Wednesday's game against Houston as well. The Nets had that possibility. Then their sixth man returned.
“Yeah, Ronnie's doing well,” coach Jacques Vaughn said. “He was trained [Tuesday] and he doesn't play [Wednesday]. But when we get back home, there are some good signs that he will play.
“He's going to fly back with us. And then I'll check on him when I get home. I hope he gets back on the plane safely. And I hope he plays and There is a good chance that it points in the direction of where it is, or there are signs that it is. [Friday]”
Walker averaged 14.6 points and .489/.463/.763 shooting splits in 17 games this season, and was early in the Sixth Man of the Year conversation before being dropped. .
Only two reserves in franchise history (playing half of the Nets' games off the bench) have averaged higher points: Spencer Dinwiddie's 17.1 points in 2018-19 and Daryl Darryl in 1985-86. Dawkins' 15.4 points per game.
It will be interesting to see how Walker's impending return impacts Cam Thomas.
Thomas, the Nets' leading scorer, was removed from the starting lineup in favor of forward Dorian Finney-Smith as Brooklyn desperately needed size in its first unit.
Thomas is a great scorer off the bench, but Walker has similar ability and has the height and length, which could make the allocation of playing time interesting.
