Former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons is set to remain sidelined for the Brooklyn Nets until at least January due to a pinched nerve in his lower back.
The Nets updated his condition on Wednesday, noting that while Simmons has shown consistent strength improvement over the past two weeks, he is limited to individual court work. A further update on his status is expected in about two weeks.
“He’s just continuing to improve strength-wise, which is the biggest thing for him, which is allowing him to continue to do things on the floor,” Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said on Wednesday. “So again, we’ll see where he’s at in two weeks, but all signs are pointing towards him improving, which is the best thing, and heading in the right direction for us.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets Updates
Simmons, the top pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, has been plagued by back issues recently. He sustained the latest injury on Nov. 6 and has missed 20 games this season. Back problems also disrupted his last two seasons. As part of his recovery, Simmons received an epidural injection.
Simmons has appeared in only six games this season, averaging 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in 31.8 minutes per game. His focus in the offseason was spent on getting back into form physically, but an early-season injury has derailed his chances of making a strong comeback so far.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ben Simmons, Brooklyn Nets Updates
In other injury news for the Nets, Dennis Smith Jr. has been cleared to participate in full basketball activities after missing six games due to a sprained upper back, resulting in being questionable to play in the upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets.
Additionally, Lonnie Walker IV, who has been out for the last eight games with a strained left hamstring, is expected to progress to 5-on-5. The team is hopeful for his return to the lineup next week.
