The Brooklyn Nets announced that their All-Star guard Ben Simmons underwent a back procedure. According to the press release, Simmons had a microdiscectomy on Thursday and is expected to make a full recovery in time for the 2022-23 NBA season training camp.
Simmons needed the procedure to address the pain in his lower back caused by a herniated disc. The injury prevented him from playing for the Nets since joining Brooklyn in a blockbuster trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the 25-year-old player will require three to four months of rehabilitation before returning to basketball activities.
Simmons didn’t play at all in 2021-22. He requested a trade from the 76ers during the offseason and missed the entire training camp while trying to force an exit. The former first overall pick eventually returned to the team after getting fined but declined to play or participate in training due to mental health issues.
The 76ers eventually traded Simmons to the Nets in a move that saw superstar James Harden head in the opposite direction. After arriving in Brooklyn, Simmons was diagnosed with a herniated disk that prevented him from debuting for his new team during the regular season. The Nets were optimistic that the three-time All-Star might return in time for the postseason, but those plans were scrapped after he experienced a setback.
During his four seasons with Philly, Simmons averaged 15.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game. He was also selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team twice.
