The Brooklyn Nets have confirmed that Ben Simmons underwent back surgery on Thursday to address his ongoing injury. Simmons, who had already been ruled out for the remainder of the 2023-24 season, underwent a successful microscopic partial discectomy aimed at alleviating nerve impingement in his lower back. The procedure, performed by Dr. Timur Urakov in consultation with Dr. Barth Green at UHealth Jackson Memorial Medical Center, is expected to facilitate Simmons’ full recovery in time for the team’s training camp next season.
Simmons’ back issues have been a recurring concern since February 2020, when he experienced severe pain during an incident in Milwaukee that resulted in physical discomfort and limited mobility. Despite efforts to manage the condition, including a microdiscectomy procedure in May 2022, Simmons continued to struggle with discomfort and was eventually sidelined for the remainder of the season due to nerve impingement.
The hope was that Simmons would have a fresh start with the Nets this season. However, his playing time was limited, with only 15 regular-season appearances and 359 minutes of play. The decision to undergo surgery marks another effort by Simmons to address his persistent back issues and regain full fitness for the upcoming season.
Heading into the 2024-25 season with an expiring contract worth $40.3 million, Ben Simmons aims to revitalize his career with the Nets. Despite previous accolades, including multiple All-Star selections and an All-NBA team nod, Simmons’ primary focus now is on overcoming his injury setbacks and returning to the court without experiencing nerve pain. The successful completion of this surgery is viewed as a crucial step toward achieving that goal.
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