David Chao, MD
2 min read • March 07, 2024
Posted in
Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is out for the remainder of the regular season as he assesses options to address a nerve impingement in his lower back that has kept him out since Feb. 26.
It is yet another concerning injury development for the 2016 No. 1 overall pick. A nerve impingement in his back caused him to miss stretches in 2022 and last season.
Simmons’ back problems date back to February 2020, when the first nerve impingement of his career kept him out eight games. He was able to play when the NBA reconvened in the bubble in August, but he lasted just three games before undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee that kept him out the remainder of the regular season and playoffs.
He played the next season without issue, but missed the entire 2021-22 season with back soreness. The three-time All-Star underwent back surgery in May 2022 to repair a herniated disc that was causing the issue.
Simmons played in 42 games last season with knee and back issues and managed just 15 games this season. Over the last two seasons, he has averaged 6.5 points per game, 5.9 assists per game and 7.1 rebounds while shooting 57.4% from the field and 42% from the free-throw line.
The 27 year old is owed $40 million next season before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2025.
Written by David Chao, MD
