Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons to miss rest of 2023-24 NBA season. What now?
It’s fair to say that the last few years have been problematic for the Australian star. Now, they appear to be worse with his season officially declared over.
From the unceremonious end of his time with the Philadelphia 76ers to his injury-laden time with the Brooklyn Nets, it’s getting harder to deny that Ben Simmons’ career is on the rocks. While his talent is undeniable, there is little to be said if he can stay healthy enough to play.
Ben Simmons’ season is over
According to an official announcement from the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, guard Ben Simmons is set to miss the remainder of the 2023-24 NBA season due to a back injury.
“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,” read a statement from the team. “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.”
What’s happened to Ben Simmons?
If you’ve been following, you will know that a nerve impingement in the lower back has limited Simmons to just 15 games this season for the Nets. Currently occupying the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 25-37 record, the Australian’s absence is not ideal. Of course, this isn’t the first time that Simmons has been here. Fans will recall a period when he missed 38 consecutive games due to his apparently chronic back issues.
Indeed, Simmons has featured in less than 58 games since the 2018-19 season. Frankly, the 27-year-old has spent more time on the sideline than on the court since being selected by the Sixers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, a point emphasized by the fact that he missed the entirety of his rookie season due to a foot injury. Worse still, he would miss yet another campaign in 2021-22 when his back first began to create a problem while in the middle of a contractual stalemate.
Yet, there is still some confusion surrounding Simmons’ situation. Just earlier this week his agent appeared to take the blame by suggesting he could have done more for his client’s health, by finding the right people. Be that as it may, the reality remains that once again Ben Simmons will miss a considerable amount of time due to injury. This of course begs the question, will we ever get to see the best of him?