Nets' Ben Simmons: Back surgery scheduled for Thursday
Rotowire
The Nets announced Wednesday that Simmons (back) will undergo surgery on Thursday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
After missing the entire 2021-22 NBA season, Simmons will undergo a microdiscectomy procedure on Thursday intended to alleviate the pain caused by a herniated disc in his back. It was originally thought that Simmons' back issue would not require surgery, but the decision to proceed was ultimately made after the Nets consulted with multiple back specialists and determined it would be best for Simmons' long-term health. The procedure doesn't seem to be particularly invasive, so if all goes well, Simmons should make a full recovery well before the start of the 2022-23 season.
Simmons is listed as out for Monday's Game 4 against the Celtics, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Simmons had been making substantial progress in his rehab and was expected to make his Nets debut Monday, but it appears there has been a chance of plans with Brooklyn now facing elimination. It's unclear if his status will change if the Nets are able to keep their season alive.
Nets' Ben Simmons: Plans to debut in Monday's Game 4
Rotowire
Simmons (back) plans to make his season debut during Game 4 against the Celtics on Monday, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports.
Simmons' rehab has gone well recently, and he's feeling confident enough in body and mind to step on the court for Game 4, assuming he doesn't suffer a setback. More information regarding potential playing time and role could emerge sometime after Game 3, but it seems unlikely Simmons would step into a true starter's workload immediately after not playing since last year's playoffs. It's not easy to determine where exactly Simmons' minutes will come from, but reduced roles could be in store for any of Kessler Edwards, Andre Drummond, Patty Mills, Goran Dragic or Nicolas Claxton.
Simmons' (back) chances of returning for Game 4 against the Celtics are "realistic," Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reports.
Simmons hasn't officially been ruled out for Game 3 yet, but that would require some unanticipated fantastic progress. However, it's looking like, surprisingly, Simmons will play this season after all, and that return will most likely come during a high-leverage playoff series. More updates on his progress should emerge in the coming days.
