Ben Simmons' season is in doubt after the mystery surrounding his back injury was revealed.
According to The Athletic, the Brooklyn Net’s star suffered a herniated disc, which could see Simmons out beyond the NBA Playoffs in June.
It's not clear when the former 76ers player will return, however he received an epidural shot last week to accelerate the recovery.
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But, after targeting a March 18 comeback against the Portland Trail Blazers, the problems persisted.
Nets coach Steve Nash confirmed Simmons couldn’t even perform court workouts and now his immediate return is looking unlikely.
Talking to NetsDaily.com, Nash said: “He’s done some individual workouts, and then he had the flare-up. That’s a step he hasn’t got back to yet; individual on-court workouts.”
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Simmons was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers in a blockbuster deal that saw himself, Seth Curry, Andre Drummond, head to The Nets in exchange for James Harden and Paul Millsap.
Simmons' back issues first emerged in February 2020, however, Steve Nash couldn’t disclose whether the Nets knew the severity of the issue when he joined as part of the February 10th trade.
He said: “I can’t remember now what happened right after the deal. We were on the road, I think. Yeah, I can’t even remember where he was at when he got here.”
Nash continued: “I can’t remember if he was having issues or flare-ups. He hasn’t practised yet for us.”
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Simmons had previously stayed away from the 76ers to look after his mental health.
However, Brooklyn Nets teammate Kevin Durant said Simmons is now doing well and should focus on recovery.
After a shoot-around Durant said: “He looks good as far as just walking around and being around the team. Haven’t seen him do anything on the basketball court as much, but a couple walkthrough things.
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“I definitely don’t want him to rush back for us and his back is not right, so take all the time he needs to get his body right. And once he’s out there, we’re ready to rock and roll.”
The Nets have had a turmoil-fuelled season after losing Harde, Simmons back problems, and star player Kyrie Irving’s refusal to have the vaccine shot.
Under New York vaccine protocols Irving is not allowed to play any home games unless he is vaccinated.
Topics: Ben Simmons, Basketball
Jayden Collins