Missing 160 Games in 6 Seasons, Ben Simmons’ Agent Admits Fault in Client’s Injury Woes

Ben Simmons‘ career in the NBA has been marred by injuries. And this season is no different. After a lower-back nerve impingement kept him on the shelf for more than 10 weeks, it is back to haunt the Brooklyn Nets‘ guard once again. Simmons was earlier ruled out for a few games due to leg soreness. But a diagnosis later revealed that the leg issues were stemming from the same nagging impingement that cost him nearly 3 months earlier this season. As a result, he is back on the injury report and is currently listed as day-to-day. His persistent injuries have already cost him 46 games this season alone and 160 games overall in his career.

As a result of his long absences, he has caught flak for the lack of on-court activity despite being the highest-paid member on the Net’s roster. However, his agent volunteered to absorb all the heat for the 2016 No. 1 pick’s struggles. Simmons’ agent, Bernie Lee, shouldered the blame for failing to find a viable option to get Simmons healthy. While speaking to SNY’s Ian Begley, Lee divulged, “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.”

However, he is committed to helping Ben find the “right people and the right answers” this offseason. “Come the offseason, we’re going to implement some processes and outside input that’ll allow him to finally move forward from this ongoing issue and resume his career at the levels he’s established prior to being injured,” stated Lee. But will Simmons ever be able to go back to his vintage form?

Can Ben Simmons go back to his pre-injury form?

Ben Simmons entered the NBA landscape as the first overall pick in 2016. After missing his first season due to a broken right foot, he went on to clinch the Rookie of the Year honors next season, followed by three consecutive All-Star selections. This was him at his peak. Everything came crashing down during the final minutes of Game 7 in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals. With 3.29 minutes left, Simmons passed up an open dunk when his fear of shooting gripped him. He hasn’t been the same player since then.

Add to it the fact that he has yet to play more than 60 games since his third season. He only played 42 games last season while battling with back and knee issues. This season, he has only participated in 15 games, with just 21 remaining for Brooklyn. While he lacks shooting ability, the Nets could still benefit from his defensive assets and playmaking ability. But that is if he is healthy. This season, he is averaging 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists and has yet to attempt a three-pointer.

Judging by his agent’s comments, it looks like another long absence is around the corner for the 27-year-old. With Simmons entering the final year of his $170 million rookie extension next season, Lee needs to figure out a way soon because the clock is ticking.

Read More: Is Ben Simmons Afraid to Shoot? Warriors’ Jaylen Brown Disrespect Unveils Nets All-Star’s Shooting Concerns