The Brooklyn Nets have announced that Ben Simmons will miss the remainder of the season due to a nerve impingement in his lower back. The team stated via Twitter that Simmons, along with his representatives and Nets medical personnel, is consulting with specialists to determine the best course of action for his long-term sustainable health.

This season, Simmons has appeared in just 15 games, averaging 6.1 points, 5.7 assists, and 7.9 rebounds in 23.9 minutes per contest. Unfortunately, this is the third consecutive season in which his availability and production have been severely limited by back issues.

After his trade from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets in the 2021/22 season, Simmons was unable to play due to back pain. He eventually underwent a microdiscectomy in spring 2022 to alleviate the pain from a herniated disc. Although he returned to the court for the 2022/23 season, Simmons later revealed that he hadn't fully recovered and experienced pain throughout the season.

Despite his optimism about his health coming into the 2023/24 season, the nerve impingement in his back sidelined Simmons for nearly three months. Even after his return in January, the issue persisted. Agent Bernie Lee expressed his commitment to finding non-surgical options to help Simmons overcome this lingering injury, taking responsibility for the unsuccessful efforts so far.

Looking forward, Simmons and his representatives plan to implement processes and secure outside input during the offseason to enable his full recovery and resume his career at the level he had established prior to his injuries. At 27 years old, Simmons still possesses the potential to be one of the NBA's top play-makers and defenders, being a three-time All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year runner-up. However, the recurring physical and mental health issues have hindered his career since the 2020/21 season.

This ongoing injury has presented a challenge for the Brooklyn Nets, as Simmons' maximum-salary contract has become a cumbersome asset on their books. With one more year remaining on his current deal in 2024/25, Simmons is set to earn $40,338,144 before becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency.

The focus now shifts to Simmons' recovery and the Nets' future plans for the star player. Fans and basketball aficionados hope that with the right treatment and support, Simmons can regain his form and contribute to the team's success in the seasons to come.