Nets' Ben Simmons out for rest of season with recurring back injury
Nets guard Ben Simmons looks on before a game between against the Memphis Grizzlies at Barclays Center on Monday, March 4, 2024. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
DETROIT — Ben Simmons is out for the season.
The Nets announced Thursday morning that the 27-year-old will miss the rest of the season because of a nerve impingement in his lower back. He will explore treatment options with the hope of returning next season.
It’s the third straight season in which Simmons’ availability and production has been extremely limited due to his back issues. It’s the second time this season he’s dealt with the injury.
Simmons, the highest paid player on the team, played in 15 games this season, including 12 starts. Since coming to the Nets from Philadelphia in the James Harden trade in the 2021-22 season, Simmons has played in just 57 games.
Simmons ends the season averaging 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.
Barbara Barker is an award-winning columnist and features writer in the sports department at Newsday. She has covered sports in New York for more than 20 years.
