Nets expect Ben Simmons to be ready for training camp after back surgery
Over 15 games this season, Ben Simmons achieved an average of 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game.
NEW YORK (AP) — Ben Simmons has had back surgery for the second time in three years, with he and the Brooklyn Nets hoping this procedure will provide the relief he needs to complete a full season.
The Nets announced that Simmons underwent a microscopic partial discectomy on Thursday to relieve a pinched nerve in his lower back. The procedure took place at the UHealth Jackson Memorial Medical Center and was carried out by Dr. Timur Urakov, with Dr. Barth Green acting as a consultant.
Ben Simmons Medical Update:
Ben Simmons, guard/forward for the Brooklyn Nets, had a successful microscopic partial discectomy earlier today to relieve nerve impingement in his lower back. The operation was carried out by Dr. Timur Urakov, in collaboration with Dr. Barth Green, at…
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 14, 2024
The top selection in the 2016 NBA draft, who has only participated in 57 games since being traded from Philadelphia to the Nets during the 2021-22 season, is anticipated to fully recover in time for next season’s training camp.
After the trade, Simmons injured his back while attempting to regain his fitness, having not played for the 76ers at the beginning of that season due to mental health issues. Once the season concluded, he underwent a microdiscectomy, a procedure to extract a small piece of a herniated disc.
In the 2022-23 season, Simmons participated in only 42 games before he had to stop playing in March due to a nerve impingement in his lower back. This injury resurfaced just six games into the current season, restricting Simmons to a mere 15 games. At one stage, he missed 38 consecutive games because of the injury.
Last week, the Nets announced that the three-time All-Star would not play again this season and would instead pursue treatment options.
Simmons concluded with an average of 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. He has approximately $40 million and one year left on his contract.
