Ben Simmons injury update: NBA insider offers new details on Nets forward's status for Brooklyn's training camp
After missing most of the 2023-24 NBA season, Ben Simmons is ready for action for the new season, according to insider Chris Haynes. Last season, Simmons only played 15 games as he dealt with a back issue that needed surgery.
The Brooklyn Nets acquired him in Feb. 2022 in exchange for James Harden. However, Simmons didn't play a game for the Nets until the 2022–2023 season. Since then, the Australian star has not been the same as he's been marred by injuries.
In his first two seasons for Brooklyn, he's registered career lows in almost all categories. Simmons has put up 6.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists for the Nets. Simmons averaged 15.9 ppg, 8.1 rpg and 7.7 apg for the Philadelphia 76ers.
On Friday, his agent, Bernie Lee, gave an update about Simmons. After undergoing a successful back injury, the 6-foot-10 Aussie is expected to make an impact with the Nets.
"Ben is fully cleared and is a full participant for the start of camp. He is excited to get started," Simmons' agent said via Haynes on X.
Haynes reported that Simmons will be back with the team at the start of training camp, which will be on Oct. 1. The organization expects him to return to his former self next season since his back procedure went well.
On Tuesday, Simmons shared a video of him working with NBA trainer Chris Brickley.
NBA trainer claims Ben Simmons is "better now than his All-Star seasons"
Many await Ben Simmons' return to his former self. With the Sixers, he was an aggressive offensive player, making most of the chances given to him and moving the rock. However, he has not been the same player since arriving in Brooklyn.
Mostly, it's because of the back injury he suffered. But now, there's faith from the people he's recently worked with that he's better than before. Chris Brickley responded to a fan on X who called Simmons a "lost cause." The trainer defended the former Rookie of the Year and claimed he improved his game.
"Thanks bro but Ben is healthy, moving very well, he is better now than his All Star seasons. I’ve never co-signed a player that didn’t prove it when their season started. Trust me on this one," Brickley said on X.
With the hype back on Simmons, there's one thing left to do and that is to prove that his training with Brickley is effective.