Ben Simmons finds himself back on the injury list, this time on a day-to-day basis due to the recurring nerve impingement in his back that sidelined him for over 10 weeks earlier in the season.
His season has been marked by a series of setbacks. After an initial six-game stint, he returned in late January, managing only nine games before facing another setback. Since his trade to Brooklyn in 2022, Simmons has appeared in just 57 out of a possible 178 games.
Aside from his well-documented mental struggles, Simmons has struggled to maintain his physical health over the past couple of seasons. His prolonged holdout with the 76ers, coupled with ongoing back issues, resulted in him missing the entire 2021-22 season. Last season, a combination of back and knee problems limited him to 42 games.
In the current season, Simmons has played in 15 games, earning a substantial $38 million. His upcoming salary of over $40 million will mark the end of his five-year, $170 million extension signed in 2019, which is widely regarded as one of the least productive contracts, akin to Chandler Parsons’.
Simmons’ agent, Bernie Lee, has taken responsibility for his client’s struggles with back injuries, despite exhaustive efforts to address them without resorting to surgery. Lee acknowledges the need to find sustainable solutions to enable Simmons to progress in his career.
Nets interim coach Kevin Ollie confirms Simmons’ day-to-day status, expressing hope for his swift return. However, Lee’s comments hint at potential long-term strategies, raising questions about Simmons’ availability for the remainder of the season.
Aware of the criticism Simmons has faced for his extended absences, Lee appears prepared to shoulder the blame, possibly to shield his client’s reputation, especially considering Simmons’ impending contract negotiations in the future.
Regardless of interpretation, the fact remains: Simmons is sidelined once more due to the same persistent issue that has plagued him for much of the past two seasons.
