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According to CBS Sports, Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn made the formal announcement that Ben Simmons will miss the rest of the NBA season due to a back issue.
Since the Nets’ game against the Miami Heat on February 15, the three-time All-Star has not been seen on the court. He has had back problems all season long, and his knees have also been bothering him. Following a recent re-evaluation of his health, Vaughn declared that he “will not be joining us [the Nets] the rest of the year.” According to reports, Simmons has nerve impingement, which calls for a long-term rest period as well as a rehabilitation program.
When Simmons was diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back after being traded to the Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers last season, then-head coach Steve Nash declared Simmons out for the remainder of that season. Despite having troubles in what was supposed to be his first full season with the organization, he was able to recuperate in time for the most recent season.
With two years left on his contract with the Nets, Simmons will be paid $37.8 million in the upcoming season and $40.3 million in 2024–25. Earlier this month, Vaughn gave off the impression that he was certain Simmons would play again this year. At the time, Vaughn stated, “There are zero discussions about him not playing. “We expect him to be back.”