Brooklyn’s Ben Simmons to undergo back surgery, will need 3-4 months to recover
After missing the entire 2021-22 season, Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons will undergo back surgery, and is expected to recover in three to four months.
Ben Simmons may finally have his back problem fixed.
The Brooklyn Nets have announced that he will undergo surgery to deal with a herniated disc in his lower back that has prevented him from making his debut with the team.
Simmons’ surgery to fix damaged disc
The microdiscectomy that he will undergo on Thursday aims to alleviate his back pain, according to a statement by the Nets. The decision to have the surgery was determined “after consultation with multiple back specialists”.
This procedure uses microscopic magnification to surgically remove part of or an entire damaged disc. This operation is minimally invasive, which can help the patient recover quickly. A person who undergoes this procedure may begin contact sports after 12 weeks or more.
This timetable would allow Simmons to recover in time to join preseason training camp in September.
Simmons yet to debut with the Nets
Simmons had been joining Nets practice sessions after he was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers in February, and was not experiencing pain for a week and a half. But he was unable to play with the team in the games leading up to Brooklyn’s elimination after he complained of back soreness.
The 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year has not played since June 2021, when the 76ers lost in the second round of the playoffs. Reports indicate that he has not been able to see action due to mental health issues aside from his back problem.
Simmons’ inability to play and Kyrie Irving’s limited playing time due to his being unvaccinated are two factors that played a big role in the Nets’ lamentable performance this season after being early favorites to become NBA champions.
If Simmons is able to quickly recover the form that made him a three-time NBA All-Star and Irving is available to play next season, they may finally form a fearsome combination with Kevin Durant so that the Nets can redeem themselves from their unceremonious exit from this year’s playoffs.