Ben Simmons is getting closer to making a return for the Brooklyn Nets. While the Nets aren't putting a timetable on his return, Jacque Vaughn gave some insight into the possible ramp-up plan for Simmons.

"At some point I think we’ll use Long Island, hopefully, to get a practice underneath him or get some more bodies around him. Hopefully that’s in the near future," Vaughn said.

Long Island refers to the Long Island Nets of the G League. It's become a common practice for teams to send players to the G League as sort of a rehab assignment before returning from injury.

Simmons hasn't played since November 6. He suffered a reoccurrence of his back problems. He's been rehabbing since, and the Nets have continued to maintain they're hopeful Simmons will play again this season.