Ben Simmons Diagnosed With Nerve Impingement in Back, Nets Say

The former All-Star has not played since Feb. 15.

After missing the last 15 games due to left knee and back soreness, Ben Simmons appears poised to remain out of the Nets lineup for the foreseeable future following the news of his latest setback.

The Nets announced Friday that Simmons has been diagnosed with a nerve impingement in his back, and will remain sidelined indefinitely while the team determines the best option for long-term treatment, according to TNT’s Chris Haynes. The 26-year-old forward has not played since turning in two points, four assists and four rebounds in the team’s 116–105 win over the Heat on Feb. 15.

Friday’s damaging update signals another challenging hurdle for Simmons to overcome as the former All-Star continues to battle through a injury-riddled last few seasons. Following his tumultuous exit from the 76ers, Simmons, who was traded in a blockbuster deal for James Harden in Feb. 2022, has struggled to find his footing for a Nets team that dealt centerpieces Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving earlier this season.  

Aside from his health concerns, Simmons, a three-time All-Star and 2016 No. 1 overall pick, made headlines in the past week after it was announced on March 17 that he and his agency, Klutch Sports, decided to mutually part ways.

On the season, Simmons has started 33 of his 42 games played, averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game shooting 56.6% from the field and 43.9% from the free throw line. The 2022–23 season is Simmons’s first with the Nets (39–34) after missing all of last season with a back injury.