Ben Simmons’ injury-filled Nets season is over

Ben Simmons’ injury-filled Nets season is over

Ben Simmons’ 2022-23 season has officially ended.

The 26-year-old won’t play again for the Nets this season, head coach Jacque Vaughn said Tuesday.

Simmons will start a rehab program for his ailing back.

Doctors haven’t recommended surgery and a procedure is “not in sight,” according to Vaughn.

“Our doctors and the specialists feel and think that he’ll have a full recovery,” Vaughn said, “so that starts now.”

Vaughn’s comments essentially confirmed what appeared the most likely scenario after Simmons was diagnosed with a nerve impingement in his back Friday — in addition to the list of knee and back problems that have derailed his season and sidelined him since the All-Star break.

Simmons appeared in just 42 games and averaged 6.9 points and 26.3 minutes per game, with all three numbers serving as career-lows.


Ben Simmons is out for the season
Ben Simmons is out for the seasonUSA TODAY Sports

When Simmons started his strengthening program in late February, shortly after the Nets returned from their All-Star break, Vaughn said the goal was to get him back on the court.

During what Vaughn labeled a “reassessment” phase, though, the nerve impingement was revealed.

That led to Simmons visiting with specialists — which then snowballed into the latest development Tuesday.


Ben Simmons' season was impacted by injuries
Ben Simmons’ season was impacted by injuriesNoah K. Murray for the NY Post

Despite the latest setback, Vaughn said the Nets’ aim is still “to be involved” with Simmons, who was once a rising star with the 76ers.

“I want to coach Ben and I want to be able to push Ben to get back to all-defensive team and impact our team on both ends of the floor,” Vaughn said. “So that’s definitely the goal going forward.”