Curry eyes return for opener

Every Nets player is expected to be available for Monday’s preseason opener except

Seth Curry and T.J. Warren. While Curry hasn’t been cleared for full team practices yet, he’s inching toward it step-by-step.

“Getting closer every day. Doing a little bit more and more every day. I’m trying to be smart about it. Pass all the tests I need to pass and get ready to go, and stay mentally engaged at the same time to be ready for the season,” Curry said. “[I’m doing] full individual workouts … a bit of everything except playing five-on-five. That’s pretty much where I’m at.”

Both Curry and Steve Nash were vague about exactly what Curry is doing and what his next step is. During the portion of practice open to the media, Curry was doing battle rope exercises, riding the bike and doing individual work.

“He’s doing quite a dynamic individual workout. A little bit against coaches, but no real contact against players,” Nash said. “It’s more like phony defense by coaches, how’s that?”

Curry had arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle in May after playing through pain last season. He’s estimated that he’s 85-90 percent, while Nash is hoping Curry can cameo in the Oct. 14 preseason finale in Minnesota.

“That’d be ideal. Can’t guarantee it. Whenever he’s ready, he’ll be ready. To be determined,” Nash said. “We’ve got to monitor his progress every day and see how it progresses.”

Still, Curry is expected to be fine for the Oct. 19 regular-season opener against New Orleans. To have his career 44 percent shooting from 3 back in a finally healthy Nets rotation should be key.

➤ Monday will mark James Harden’s return to Brooklyn after forcing the trade that brought back Curry and Ben Simmons. When asked his thoughts on his first Barclays Center game since the deal, he told the Philadelphia Inquirer: “Nah, I mean ... it’s just a preseason game.”