Brooklyn Net’s forward Ben Simmons will miss the remainder of the 2023-2024 NBA Season with a nerve impingement in his back. This has been the injury Simmons has struggled to avoid all season. The Net’s medical personnel stated in their press release that they “are currently in discussions with numerous experts to determine the course of action that will provide Simmons with the best opportunity for long-term sustainable health.”

The 15 games that the former three-time All-Star played in this year were a disappointment, to say the least. In 24 minutes per game, Simmons averaged 6.1 points per game (PPG), 7.9 rebounds per game (RPG), and 5.7 assists per game (APG). He shot an efficient 58.1% from the field as well, but given Simmons’ past, these stats are almost nothing.

Injuries are part of the game, though. It’s a shame that a player of Simmons’ caliber had an injury like this that has lingered his entire career.

Simmons’ agent Bernie Lee spoke about the situation:

"We continue to try and find non-surgical options to allow Ben to move forward on a permanent basis and that is where this is my responsibility and I am [the] one to blame," Lee told SNY's Ian Begley. "Come the offseason, we're going to implement some processes and outside input that'll allow him to finally move forward from this on-going issue and resume his career at the levels he's established prior to being injured."

It’s crazy how the former #1 overall pick, who is now in his prime years at 27 years old is just looking to stay on the court by any means necessary. He is still an elite defender when he plays and is a great facilitator, however, his days of true stardom are over and have been over for a couple years now.

Another horror comes with the contract that he signed in the 2021-2022 season, which was 5 years for $177 million. Since signing, Simmons has only played in 115 games.

Only time will tell what’s next for the 2018 Rookie of the Year, but one thing is for sure: Ben Simmons still has some left in the tank. It will be tough to come back if he needs surgery, but Simmons still has some left to give NBA teams.