Ben Simmons To Undergo Back Surgery, at Least Three Months of Recovery Expected

The Brooklyn Nets have announced that Ben Simmons is set to undergo back surgery. Simmons, who did not play in a single regular season game in the 2021-22 NBA season, started the year with the Philadelphia 76ers before his trade to the Nets.

Prior to Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Boston Celtics, the franchise announced that Simmons would not be playing due to back soreness. In regards to his need for back surery, the Nets statement reads,

“After consultation with multiple back specialists, it has been determined that the best course of action for Ben’s long-term health is for him to undergo surgery.

The microdiscectomy procedure, scheduled for Thursday, is designed to alleviate pain caused by the herniated disc in Ben’s back. Further updates will be provided following the procedure.”

ESPN has reported that Simmons and his agent Rich Paul recently met with the Nets management to discuss steps moving forward to ensure Simmons’ physical and mental well-being. Simmons is expected to undergo a microdiscectomy procedure later this week with the surgery requiring at least three to four months of recovery afterward. Simmons is expected to be fully recovered and ready to return to the court ahead of the 2022-23 preseason training camp later this September.

Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons is expected to need 3-to-4 months to make a full recovery on back surgery, sources tell ESPN. The expectation is that he’ll be ready to return well ahead of training camp.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 4, 2022

In other NBA news, Tyler Herro has won the Sixth Man of the Year award.