Ben Simmons Injury Update: Brooklyn Nets reveal guard is still dealing with back and knee soreness
The Brooklyn Nets have revealed that injured star Ben Simmons is dealing with a back and knee soreness problem.
The Aussie has been out since February 15 when the Nets beat the Miami Heat 116-105. Simmons' back injury forced him to miss the entire 2021-22 season.
The Nets were cautious with him this season, but Simmons also dealt with a knee injury that kept him on the sidelines for multiple games. Simmons has appeared in 42 of the Nets' 68 games this year, starting 33 times. He has averaged a career-low in all major statistical categories, tallying 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game.
Along with nagging injury problems, Simmons has lacked confidence, especially offensively. He is attempting a career-low 5.6 attempts per game and has been passive on that end.
The Nets initially struggled to maximize their offense with him on the floor. However, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant covered for his deficiencies and led the team to a winning record.
Ben Simmons is still dealing with back and knee soreness, per the Nets https://t.co/YQTodTHasL
But the Brooklyn Nets will likely need Ben Simmons to perform to his potential following the departures of Irving and Durant. Simmons is a capable 15-point per-game scorer and needs to rediscover his mojo to help the Nets remain a playoff contender moving forward.
Brooklyn Nets are in no rush to get Ben Simmons back on the court
The Brooklyn Nets started the season with hopes of contending for a championship, with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving leading their charge. They were considered among the best teams after a stellar run since Jacque Vaughn took over, but their season derailed shortly after Durant's MCL injury in January.
Irving demanded a trade and secured a move to the Mavericks, while Durant followed him out and moved to the Suns at the trade deadline. The Nets boasted a 27-13 record in Irving and Durant's last game together on January 8, the second-best in the NBA at the time.
Brooklyn secured a bevy of draft capital, with a bunch of starters and young players blossoming into stars like Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith in return for Irving and Durant.
They have one of the best sets of role players, but the lack of a superstar presence on the roster leaves them far off the pace as title contenders. Ben Simmons is the only former All-Star on the team, but he hasn't played at that level since his debut.
The Brooklyn Nets don't want to rush the former Sixers guard's return. Here's what Jacque Vaughn recently said about Simmons' return (via Real GM):
“We want Ben back when he’s capable of being back for us. The day-to-day thing, that’s just for me to say some term to you guys (media). When the back gets better, and when the knee gets better, then he’ll be with us.”
The Nets have gone 7-7 since the trade deadline. Brooklyn has a 39-29 record, good for fifth in the Eastern Conference. They have the depth to deal with Ben Simmons' absence, especially with players like Mikal Bridges, Spencer Dinwiddie, Nic Claxton and Royce O'Neale playing exceptionally well.