Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn told reporters before Friday’s game at the Chicago Bulls that guard Ben Simmons will miss Friday’s game as well as Sunday’s game at the Atlanta Hawks due to left knee soreness. Simmons has already missed 16 games this season due to various ailments and now will miss games 17 and 18 because of his latest bout of knee soreness.
Simmons is averaging just 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game despite having career numbers of 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. According to The Athletic’s Alex Schiffer, Simmons said that he hasn’t been 100% healthy at any point this season and that could explain Simmons missing so many games.
Vaughn said that there hasn’t been any discussion of shutting Simmons down for the rest of this season which could be a good sign for Simmons being able to return to the court. In the meantime, Vaughn will have to rely on players like Seth Curry and Cam Thomas to step up in Simmons’ absence.
Jacque Vaughn said Ben Simmons is out for Sunday’s game in Atlanta, too. No timeline on this strengthening phase. Asked Vaughn if there was any discussion of shutting him down for the season: “Zero.”
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) February 24, 2023
Ben Simmons said he hasn’t been 100 percent all year. Expects to be re-evaluated in a week.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) February 24, 2023
Ben Simmons is in a "strengthening phase," per Jacque Vaughn. He'll miss at least two games. The #Nets have NOT considered shutting him down for the season.
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) February 24, 2023
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