Ben Simmons will not be seeing the court any time soon for the Brooklyn Nets. He underwent a procedure to help take care of his lingering concerns. The procedure was a microscopic partial discectomy.
This will help to ease the pain of his pinched nerve. The surgery took place at UHealth Jackson Memorial Medical Center. Nets fans will hope the work of Dr. Timur Urakov brings him back to the court at full capacity. His unavailability is well-documented at this point.
Background and Previous Injuries Prior To Joining the Brooklyn Nets
Ben Simmons underwent a successful microscopic partial discectomy today to alleviate the nerve impingement in his lower back and is expected to make a full recovery in time for training camp next season
This is his second back surgery since joining the Nets in 2022 pic.twitter.com/5qPTGl3oat
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 14, 2024
Simmons was the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA draft of the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons faced multiple challenges since joining the Brooklyn Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2021-22 season. Health concerns have been a mainstay of his career so far. Additionally. mental health concerns that kept him sidelined at the start of the season continue to compound the narratives. Following a microdiscectomy to address a herniated disc, Simmons returned to play but continued to battle injuries, including a nerve impingement in his lower back that resurfaced in the current season.
Simmons looks to get back on track with the Brooklyn Nets. Simmons played in 57 games since joining the Nets, with his most recent injury sidelining him after just 15 games this season. He was brought in to be a cornerstone piece. Also, he was kept on despite the disaster of the Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving era. Although his contract is not one that many teams would even consider touching. This has significantly impacted his ability to contribute on the court, with his averages of 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists falling below his usual performance standards.
Path to Recovery and Future Outlook with Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are optimistic that things can be turned around. The current hope is that he will recover in time for next season’s training camp. This will be crucial for both Simmons and the Nets, as they aim to maximize his potential and contribution to the team. The Nets need an answer one way or another. Especially with the regime change at head coach, and other new potential pieces that they are about to bring into the organization.
Simmons’ injury history also raises questions about his future contract negotiations. With one year and approximately $40 million remaining on his current contract, the Nets will need to consider his health and performance when assessing his long-term value to the team. This adds a layer of complexity to the situation. When available and healthy he’s still a good NBA player. However, the “when” in this case is too much to overlook. Furthermore, the team wants to build around Mikal Bridges moving forward.
The recent back surgery for Ben Simmons marks a significant development in his ongoing battle with injuries. While the surgery offers hope for a full recovery, it also highlights the challenges faced by athletes in maintaining peak performance while managing their physical well-being. As Ben Simmons focuses on rehabilitating and regaining his strength, the basketball world awaits his return to the court with anticipation and optimism.
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