Ben Simmons is now out INDEFINITELY after suffering a “nerve impingement” in his back, and the Nets star fighting for $30 million a year will remain sidelined until the team “determines the best course of action.”
Ben Simmons’ year has gone from bad to worse after it was revealed the struggling Nets star has now suffered a ‘nerve impingement’ worsening his back injury, and it seems unlikely he will play again this season. .
Coach Jacque Vaughn revealed earlier on Friday that he has been practicing alone, and was later reported to have suffered a new back injury that further delayed his return to the court.
The unlucky Aussie, who makes $30 million a year in Brooklyn, is routinely booed by fans at Barclays Center as his career continues to be frustrated by injury after injury.
Simmons hasn’t played since Feb. 15 because of left knee and back pain, and has missed 15 straight games and counting since the Nets’ 116-114 loss to the Cavaliers on Thursday night.
With just nine games remaining in what has been a rollercoaster regular season for the Nets, coach Jacque Vaughn told reporters Friday that Simmons isn’t fully practicing yet.
Ben Simmons has only played 42 games this season for the Nets as he battles injuries.
Simmons has only averaged 6.9 points per game and has often been tentative on offense.
“It’s not with the teammates, so I’ll say that part,” he said. “So, he hasn’t written with our group, our second group, first group, or anything of that nature.”
Later on Friday, it was reported by various outlets that his ‘nerve impingement’ will sideline him indefinitely, with both sides now to determine the best course of treatment to help him get back on the pitch.
Simmons’ first year with the Nets following his trade from the Sixers last season has been very disappointing, with the three-time All-Star averaging just 6.9 points per game and losing his starting job at times.
Injuries early in the season meant he only played 42 games this season, and it’s quite possible he’ll end the year with that number as well.
I don’t even think that far. I don’t even complicate my life like that,” Vaughn said when asked about Simmons’ potential to return in time for the postseason.
‘I’m worried about (now). If those questions come up, I’ll be more than willing to see how you fit in with the group and answer them then and there. But I don’t want to look that far.
Simmons has alternated between playing point guard and center due to his inconsistent play.
The Nets’ handling of Simmons in the coming weeks will be interesting, as Vaughn said last week that the team expected him to return this season.
With or without Simmons, the Nets are in a battle to get to the postseason and a first-round exit seems a likely possibility if they get there.
The Cavs’ loss was the team’s fifth straight loss, leaving them at No. 7 in the East and in the play-in tournament, at least for now.
Since the team traded Kevin Durant to the Suns, they only have a 7-12 record.
