Inside The Nets

Ben Simmons Injury Update: Back Specialist Notes Simmons’ Injury "Not Catastrophic," Provides a Timeline of Recovery

With uncertainty in the air for Brooklyn, a specialist clears speculations about Simmons’ back woes.

Peter Sunjic

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As the Brooklyn Nets prepare for a challenging stretch ahead due to player unavailability, concerns are mounting about the swift return of Ben Simmons to active play. Simmons was notably announced as enduring a nerve impingement in the lower left side of his back, requiring him to miss at least a week of active play.

Most of the Nets fans are now speculating that Simmons is about to be out for a prolonged period, considering that his last two seasons have seen unwanted and unexpected endings due to back issues. But contrary to this, a league source has dismissed the negative assumptions about the Aussie’s healing timeline.

"Not a catastrophic injury"

Nets reporter Brian Lewis recently spoke about Simmons' condition and made it clear that the severity of the point forward's latest back condition should not cause any panic for Brooklyn fans.

Lewis gathered this key information from a close source that is related to Simmons, in which it should be affirmed that the recovery length that the Nets have provided is feasible as it is.

“I spoke with a back specialist, which is at the same facility that Ben got his initial surgery done. He said a lot of us are asking the wrong question. He said that this is not a catastrophic injury, and this is not anywhere as bad as the severe L4 L5 herniations where he had to get a surgery, where it basically ruined an entire season of [Simmons]. That's not what it is. The Nets have already said that he's out for at least a week. But this specialist estimated one to two weeks before he'd practice, which sounds in line with that the Nets have said.”

The Nets are trying to patch a hole

For now, the wait and optimism remain for the Nets as this newest back complication by Simmons provides a shaky position for the franchise as the regular season continues to roll. 

Back issues aren't a joke, and the 26-year-old’s all-around wonders – despite horrifying scoring passivity – remain a coveted gem in Brooklyn's dynamic identity being tailored by head coach Jacque Vaughn.

With Simmons taking the 6.5 points, 10.8 boards, and 6.7 assists averages to himself at the sidelines, Brooklyn has no choice but to task both Spencer Dinwiddie and Dennis Smith Jr. to man their ball-handling duties. Dinwiddie’s combo guard reliability and Smith Jr.’s defense and intensity complement well, which can patch the Simmons hole that was suddenly formed.

The Nets now sit with a shaky 6-6 record following their defeat against the Miami Heat. With Simmons’ playmaking and versatility being sorely missed, they had no choice but to trust his recuperate process and continue building up a fight.

Ben Simmons is thriving as the Brooklyn Nets’ primary playmaker

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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