A familiar concern has appeared again on the ongoing unavailability of Ben Simmons in the Brooklyn Nets.
Head coach Jacque Vaughn revealed Friday that Simmons has experienced back soreness as he continues to recover from his knee injury. Vaughn wasn’t sure if the injury can be located on Simmons’ herniated disc (L-4), which required the former All-Star to undergo surgery last offseason.
Vaughn clarified that Simmons’ return is yet to be determined, and talks of the shutdown haven’t been discussed, per New York Post’s Brian Lewis.
Simmons remains shelved as he continues to make progress from his knee injury. He hasn’t played a game yet since Feb. 15.
It has been a frustrating year for the 26-year-old swingman as he finally became available to play after sitting out for the entirety of the 2021-22 campaign. Throughout 42 games, he is just averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. Though inefficient from the field (56.5%), he has been nonexistent while flashing such hesitancy in the scoring department.
With Brooklyn having a new look in the post-Kevin Durant stage and still looking capable to remain in the playoff race, the club could be certainly hoping to plug Simmons soon and determine if he will mesh up well alongside Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Spencer Dinwiddie.
