The Brooklyn Nets disclosed on Thursday morning that Ben Simmons will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season due to ongoing back problems.
“Ben Simmons will remain out for the remainder of the season while he consults with specialists and explores treatment options for the nerve impingement in his lower back,” the team stated. “Simmons, along with his representatives and Nets medical personnel, are currently in discussions with numerous experts to determine the course of action that will provide him with the best opportunity for long-term sustainable health.”
Simmons played only 15 games this season due to the injury, which forced him to miss 38 consecutive games and has recently sidelined him for the past five games. During his appearances, Simmons averaged 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, showcasing his prowess on the boards and in setting up perimeter shooters.
However, he notably refrained from shooting outside the immediate basket area and struggled from the foul line, going just 6-for-15 across the 15 games.
The 27-year-old Simmons holds a $40.3 million expiring contract for the 2024-25 season.
As the top pick in the 2016 NBA draft, Simmons earned three All-Star selections, two All-Defensive Team honors, and a third-team All-NBA selection in 2021 during his tenure with the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, after the 76ers’ loss in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals to the Atlanta Hawks, Simmons requested a trade that off-season following a controversial moment when he passed up an open layup in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter.
Following his trade to Brooklyn for James Harden, Simmons has been plagued by back issues, limiting his playing time. Since joining the Nets, he has appeared in only 57 out of a possible 190 games with the franchise.
