The Brooklyn Nets announced in an official press release that Ben Simmons will need back surgery on Thursday. According to the information received from ESPN The goalkeeper should be fit again in time for the new season.
The franchise announced that Simmons will undergo a microdiscectomy to relieve persistent back pain from a herniated disc. “After consulting with several back specialists, it was decided that surgery was best for Ben’s long-term health,” the network said in a statement.
Wee Adrian Wjnarowski (ESPN), the 25-year-old will need about three to four months of post-operative rehabilitation. However, expectations are that Simmons’ back will fully recover “far” before the start of training camp in September.
The Australian hasn’t played a game for his new team since his trade from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets in February. The reason was stubborn back problems and several setbacks during the healing process. The return to qualifying did not materialize due to the return of back pain. Brooklyn eventually lost to the Boston Celtics 0-4 in the first round.
Simmons hasn’t played an NBA game since the Sixers lost to the Atlanta Hawks in June of 2021. The three-time All-Star spent three years and $114 million left on contract in Brooklyn.
