Ben Simmons’ injury woes continue to plague him, and the Brooklyn Nets are taking a cautious approach. According to Nets Head Coach Jordi Fernández, Simmons won’t be playing in back-to-back games for the foreseeable future due to his ongoing back issues ¹. This decision prioritizes Simmons’ health, considering his history of back problems that caused him to miss all of the 2022-23 season and limited him to just 57 games over the next two seasons ¹.
Simmons’ back injury has been a persistent concern, with the 28-year-old undergoing a microscopic partial discectomy in March, his second back procedure in three years ¹. The Nets are wisely managing his workload to prevent further aggravation. This plan may also impact Simmons’ market value as he approaches free agency in the offseason.
*Injury Timeline:*
– _November 6, 2023:_ Simmons suffered a pinched nerve in his lower back ².
– _January 2024:_ Simmons returned to play after a 38-game absence, scoring 10 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds in his first game back ³.
– _October 2024:_ Coach Jordi Fernández announced Simmons won’t play back-to-backs indefinitely ¹.
The Nets’ cautious approach is understandable, given Simmons’ injury history and the team’s desire to ensure his long-term health. However, this may also raise concerns about Simmons’ durability and effectiveness on the court. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Simmons’ situation unfolds and how it impacts the Nets’ performance.
