After Ben Simmons’ Agent Shut Down Long-Term Injury Rumors, Brooklyn Nets’ Coach Issues Concerning Update

After entering the season with high hopes, injuries are back, once again, to limit Ben Simmons. The Brooklyn Nets point guard is all too familiar with back injuries. After the Nets acquired him at the 2022 deadline, he watched his season go down in flames due to a right back injury and mental health issues. He has appeared in a combined 42 games over the last two seasons. Although he was back this season with renewed enthusiasm, he missed three straight games due to a hip contusion. An MRI scan later showed nerve impingement on his lower left back, which sidelined him for his fourth straight game, and his fifth overall.

Although his agent, Bernie Lee, disclosed that the recent injury will only restrict him for a “short period” as he undergoes rehab, the Nets head coach might have an alarming update for the Brooklyn faithful.

Timeline for Ben Simmons’ return revealed

Ben Simmons underwent surgery to fix multiple herniated discs (L-4 and L-5) in the 2022 offseason and then suffered a nerve impingement. However, as per Brian Lee, the recent nerve issue is nothing similar to his previous injury. While the previous injuries were on the right side of his back, the latest one concerns his left side. Therefore, it will not require surgery and is not as severe as the previous ones.

However, Nets coach Jacque Vaughn announced that the 27-year-old guard will be sidelined for at least another week before he takes the floor again. Although the injury is not as severe, due to Ben’s long history of back issues, the team might want to play it safe. While the good news is that Ben is probable to return next week, the Nets’ offense might take a huge hit in his absence.

Brooklyn’s offensive pace might take a hit in Ben Simmon’s absence

The injuries have also affected Ben’s shot-taking ability. He is not as aggressive as he was in his first four seasons with Philadelphia. Across four seasons, he consistently made at least 10 shot attempts and four free throws. However, in six games so far, his shot attempts have plummeted to six per game with only four free throws overall, converting just one.

Read More: Ben Simmons Goes Back Into Rehab: Set to Miss Time Due to Injury Woes

Despite this, he has been an offensive force in Brooklyn, who averages 118.2 points per game when he is on the floor and 105 points when he is absent. Before Simmons’ injury, the Nets had the league’s seventh-best offensive rating, courtesy of his fast-break orchestration. Therefore, with a week to recuperate, fans are hopeful that Simmons will return in better form.

Watch this story: Ben Simmons Gives Brooklyn 4-Worded Hope, Having Failed to Deliver on His Promise Early On