Jacque Vaughn provides Ben Simmons' recovery update

Coach JV says the star swingman remains progressing while away from the team’s road trip.

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

As Ben Simmons remains out for the Nets, Brooklyn fans are still wondering how he's been doing so far in his rehabilitation process.

As such, head coach Jacque Vaughn provided his progress update on Friday as the 27-year-old remains in recovery due to nerve impingement in his back.

“He’s just in part of his process of getting back on the floor. He’s at home, not with us, and so going through steps of protocols of getting back to the floor,” he said.

Current background about Ben’s absence

The Brooklyn Nets’ Thursday game against the Denver Nuggets marked the 17th straight game that Simmons has been inactive. He notably sustained the injury in early November in a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The previous significant report around Ben’s recovery is his agent's confirmation that he moved to the next step of his rehabilitation. Upon taking the epidural in his back, Simmons started feeling positive impacts.

For six games of play this season, the three-time All-Star is averaging 6.5 points, 6.7 assists, and a career-high 10.8 boards.

Still important piece

Even though the Nets have capably demonstrated strong fights and carved an impressive 13-11 record so far in the wake of his absence, Simmons’ abilities will remain important for the Nets’ aspirations and plans to succeed.

Ben's versatility adds another element to Brooklyn’s signature dynamism. Besides, his playmaking and passing truly do wonders for this team that holds one of the league's best offensive ratings.

For now, the Nets can only wait and hope that Ben will be back much stronger and healthier as the season continues to make progress and their competition starts intensifying.

“Hopefully, we'll see him soon. We miss him,” Vaughn said.

Jacque Vaughn highlights Brooklyn's fatigue display in the brutal loss vs. Denver: "Tough back-to-back"