The Brooklyn Nets announced on Tuesday that they have ruled out guard Ben Simmons for the rest of this season because of the nerve impingement in his back, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and reports from multiple reporters. According to Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn, Simmons will begin rehab on his back now that he has been officially ruled out.
Ever since Simmons came to the Nets, it has been a story of disappointment and unmet expectations. In the context of this season, Simmons took a step forward by playing after getting back surgery once he came to Brooklyn. However, he has played below what the Nets were hoping for when they traded James Harden for him last season.
Simmons, whose career numbers are 14.7 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game, played 42 out of a possible 75 games this season. In those games, he has averaged just 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game.
The Nets have ruled out Ben Simmons for the remainder of the season. Simmons is beginning a rehab program on his back, Nets coach Jacque Vaughn says.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 28, 2023