After being a spectator from the sidelines for the whole season, Ben Simmons underwent successful surgery on his back. Brooklyn Nets announced that Simmons is anticipated to make full recovery before the start of next season’s training camp.??
Ben Simmons Medical Update: pic.twitter.com/d5ZBmvHBlc
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) May 5, 2022
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Following his surgery on Thursday, the former LSU superstar shared a photo on Instagram.?“Surgery went well thank you for the well wishes,” Simmons wrote.
Ben Simmons is out of back surgery, per his Instagram. pic.twitter.com/e6MvaCrHYL
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 5, 2022
The Australian, who landed in Brooklyn in a blockbuster trade, has dealt with back issues throughout his professional career. He was scheduled to make his debut with the Nets in the playoffs. However, Nets fans did not get to witness their new star in action this season.?
He was slated to play in Game 4 of the Nets-Celtics series, but he opted out due to back soreness. Ultimately, the Brooklyn Nets were swept in the first round after being unable to withstand the Boston Celtics’ hard-nosed physical defense combined with a well-rounded offensive attack.?
The Celtics complete the sweep of the Nets and advance to the conference semifinals 🧹 🍀 pic.twitter.com/4VrJM5v1Hh
— ESPN (@espn) April 26, 2022
Fair to say, the Nets will need to make a lot of adjustments this summer: a new system, complementary pieces for KD, Kyrie, and Simmons, 3&D players, better depth and size, and just consistency and culture.?
Shaq and Barkley gave Ben Simmons the whipping
Simmons has been in the eye of the storm for some time now and has faced a barrage of criticism. After withdrawing from Game 4, the Australian was once again the subject of controversy. NBA legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley were not pleased with the unexpected change of plans.?
On TNT’s Inside the NBA, the greats addressed the situation and completely ripped Simmons apart, with Shaq labeling it a “punk move.” Barkley agreed and suggested that if Simmons only played only a few minutes, he would have gained significantly more respect from his teammates for trying his hardest in the difficult scenario.
It’s difficult to register that Simmons went from feeling healthy and hinting at his comeback to being unable to play. But, perhaps this back issue is genuinely a concern.?
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But finally, after all that battering at the hands of Shaq and Chuck, Ben Simmons might well be ready to suit up for the Nets next season. Simmons was primed to achieve a whole lot in his NBA career, being the number one pick. He will be entering his sixth season in the NBA, and it’s fair to say, he hasn’t lived up to the hype that surrounded him when he was drafted.?
He’d like to go into the upcoming season with a healthy body and mind and would love to hush all his naysayers. How excited are you to finally see the Australian in action?
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