Alone at Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons still can't play after blockbuster Irving - Durant
Time is running out for Ben Simmons. The Brooklyn Nets defender has been out of action since February 15 because of knee overload. Four weeks later - a time when many thought that Simmons was about to return, the Brooklyn coaching staff updated that the defender was still unable to train normally.
To date, one more bad news has appeared regarding Ben Simmons. A press release from the Brooklyn Nets said Ben Simmons suffered a pinched nerve in his back, forcing the Australian defender to be out of action indefinitely.
In the face of the Regular Season with only a few games left, right after the start of the Playoffs round, head coach Jack Vaughn was asked about the possibility of Ben Simmons' return in this important period.
Not only did he not have any specific updates, the captain of the Nets also shared something quite ominous about Simmons:
“Ben is still unable to participate in training with his teammates. Currently, 100% of the exercises that he does are alone with the assistants. To talk about the possibility of a return in the near future, we do not have a specific answer, just looking at the situation day by day.
The team will consult more medical experts, especially neurologists, to review Ben's condition. We'll update you when we can."
Although the Brooklyn Nets have not confirmed that Ben Simmons has to be out of action until the end of the season, the above sharing shows that there is a high possibility that the Australian defender will not return at the end of the Regular Season and the Playoffs period.
In 42 appearances this season, Simmons has averaged 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists, all career-low stats. No one really understands what happened to Ben, only knowing that all his efforts have yet to pay off.
Last season Ben Simmons missed the entire Brooklyn nets game because of a persistent back injury, plus psychological problems.
In the third year of a five-year, $177 million contract, money and contracts aren't a problem for Simmons. Mainly this defender wants to play on the field.
“I know that people will think about Ben not playing again this season. We haven't confirmed that yet and still hope Ben recovers in time. The team needs him on the pitch, especially in the upcoming Playoffs," added head coach Jack Vaughn.
Currently, the Brooklyn Nets are ranked 6th in the rankings but have the same record as the second ranked team, the Miami Heat. Due to a relatively safe distance from the group below, the Nets and Heat will directly compete for the position of the Eastern Playoffs.
