Can Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons stay healthy for 2024-25 NBA season?

The former Philadelphia 76ers star has endured a mixed bag since leaving the Philadelphia 76ers in controversial style to join the Nets. While it’s clear that he’s as talented as they come, he’s yet to show that in the Big Apple - largely due to injury - and that’s why critique has been swift and intense. Perhaps that’s about to change.

Ben Simmons is looking forward to the 2024-25 NBA season

According to reports, Brooklyn Nets point guard Ben Simmons has recovered from the back surgery that he underwent in March and will now be a full participant with no restrictions in the team’s training camp which is set to begin on October 1st. “Ben is fully cleared and is a full participant for the start of camp,” Simmons’ agent, Bernie Lee told the media. “He is excited to get started.”

Needless to say, this is a major development for both Simmons and his team after going through an extended period of problems with his back. From chronic pain to various treatments, it was clear that the 28-year-old could not find relief and so finally chose to go under the knife in an effort to find a long-term solution. It is understood that the microscopic partial discectomy to alleviate nerve impingement in his lower back has done just that.

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For context, Simmons missed the entirety of the 2020-21 campaign and then was only able to play in just 57 games across the last two seasons as he struggled with his back. In 2023, the former Rookie of the Year (2018) only featured in 15 games with an average of 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in a little less than 24 minutes per game.

With that, we return to the present where Simmons appears to be ready once again to play ball. With his history in consideration, one could be forgiven for wondering whether that will actually be the case. After all, we are talking about a player who despite his obvious talents, has been unable to stay fit for quite some time now. Indeed, that reality is also likely to have an effect on any contractual negotiations going forward as he looks to make himself relevant once more.