The Brooklyn Nets have recently confirmed that Ben Simmons is currently dealing with a nerve impingement in his back. This shocking news has raised questions about his potential return to the court this season, and many of his fans and critics alike are becoming restless while waiting for more news.
As a former 3-time All-Star, two-time All-Defensive first team selection, and 2020 All-NBA third team pick, Simmons’ performance on the court has always been one to watch. However, after being diagnosed with knee and back soreness, his streak of missed games has now reached 15 consecutive games. This is not good news for the Brooklyn Nets or Simmons’ fans, who have been hoping to see him return soon.
Despite this, the Nets coach Jacque Vaughn has insisted that there have been “zero” discussions about shutting down Simmons for the season. “We expect him to be back, waiting for him to be back, watching the last Sacramento game, it was great to see him and his physicality versus [Kings All-Star Domantas] Sabonis last time, so looking forward to seeing that again, for sure,” Vaughn said.
However, Simmons’ absence has certainly had an impact on the Nets’ overall performance. Since trading away Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, Brooklyn has gone 5-10 since the All-Star Break, and now sits in seventh place in the Eastern Conference after dropping their last five games in a row.
Simmons still has another two years remaining on his contract, paying him $37.8 million in 2023-24 and $40.3 million in 2024-25. There is still hope that he may return to the court this season, but with the recent diagnosis, it is uncertain when that might be.
In the meantime, fans and critics are eagerly waiting for more news and updates on Simmons’ condition. Everyone is hoping for a speedy recovery, and for Simmons to get back to his impressive form on the court as soon as possible.
Read Also: USMNT dominates in their Concacaf Nations League game against Grenada
Ref: Ben Simmons dealing with nerve impingement in back, return in doubt – ESPN