Inside The Nets

Ben Simmons' Recovery Update: Progressing but No Set Return Date for Nets

Ben has only played six games for the Nets this season.

Peter Sunjic

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Early in the 2023/24 season, Ben Simmons was the key cog in Coach Jacque Vaughn's system. The Aussie was the team's primary playmaker as they kept running in transition. Brooklyn was one of the most exciting teams during that six-game stretch, but unfortunately, Ben's bad injury luck reared its ugly head.

Simmons' last game was back on November 6 against the Milwaukee Bucks. He has been out for several months now with a nerve impingement in his lower back. This was a crushing blow to the Nets and Coach JV because they relied on Ben as the team's star ball-handler.

"It's good. I'm getting there. Just progressing every day, so I'll be back soon," Ben said during the training sessions ahead of their NBA Paris game against the Cavaliers. "I ain't got no timetable."

The uneasy situation with Ben's injury

This is not the first issue with Ben's back because he has constantly dealt with injuries in that area of his body since he got traded to the Nets. That was back in February 2022, and he has continued to face pain.

Ben is not too worried about what is happening to his back because he's feeling much better. However, there is no assurance that he can prevent this issue from flaring up again and derailing yet another season.

This most recent injury with his nerve impingement halted plenty of momentum for Brooklyn. The Nets were exciting because they were playing free-flowing basketball and good defense. In Ben's absence, the team's production on both ends had a dip.

Brooklyn needs Ben healthy

Ever since Simmons went down, Brooklyn has needed a playmaker who could push the pace. Dennis Smith Jr. does it whenever he's on the floor, but most of the time, Spencer Dinwiddie has started in the point guard position.

There is less ball movement with either DSJ or Spencer. Early in the season, Ben was conducting the team well, especially since he loves making plays for others rather than scoring himself. That kind of mindset is huge for the Nets because if they get him back with that mindset, he can help both Mikal Bridges and Cameron Thomas become franchise-level players.

While the Aussie guard has no timetable yet for his return, you can bet Nets fans would love that to happen. In the meantime, Ben is recovering and practicing with the squad, but nothing too egregious.

Brooklyn is ranked 22nd in the Athletic's latest Power Rankings

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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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