Nets guard Ben Simmons admits he’s extremely frustrated by the nerve impingement in his lower left back, which has kept him out of action since he sustained the injury on November 6, writes Tim Bontemps of ESPN.
“It’s probably one of the most frustrating points in my career just because I wanna be out there to help my team win and compete,” Simmons said prior to Friday’s game against Denver. “But at the end of the day, it’s one of those things that’s a part of sports. Not every game’s promised. Injuries happen. Unfortunately, it happens. So, for me, it’s just focusing on what I can do now and doing what I can to get back on the floor and contribute.”
A couple days ago, the Nets provided an update on Simmons, saying that he would be out at least two more weeks as he continues to recover from the injury. He said he’s basically starting from scratch as he begins on-court work.
“I just started on-court stuff, moving around, get some shots up,” he said. “So just starting from the bottom and work my way up.”
According to Bontemps, while Simmons said he’s “looking forward” to returning, he doesn’t yet know when it will be, noting that back issues are complicated and don’t have definitive recovery timelines like many other injuries do.
“I have no expectations,” Simmons said of a specific return date. “I just come in every day and work. I think that’s one of the things about having injuries like this. I’ve known not to put too much pressure on the exact date or whatever it is. It’s just continue to get better and get to a point where you can play.”
The 27-year-old former No. 1 overall pick has been dealing with similar issues for the past three years, and back pain played a role in limiting him to 42 games last season. The three-time All-Star has played just six games thus far in 2023/24, and is under contract through ’24/25.
“It’s probably one of the most frustrating points in my career just because I wanna be out there to help my team win and compete”
So you didn’t wanna help your team out the other timeS you were out for at least a year? Never once have I got good vibes from this guy since LSU, lol.
Total waste of talent.
Most predictable headline ever.
I have my L3-4-5 fused. When my body is going and I have adrenaline pumping in through me I don’t feel my pain. When I
Stop I have discomfort. Dude try and give it a go and see how your body feels when you adrenaline is pumping. You’d be amazed at how your mind and body forgets the pain.
Best of luck man. I know what you’re going through but try giving it a go. You only get limited time to play in the NBA.
When does your body go through what the average NBA players bodies go through during a game?
Probably when he’s getting his back bent by a row of wood
After the berating in Philadelphia, Ben doesn’t want to play anymore. He’ll play enough to keep up the act, then he’ll turn it on next season about halfway through the season.
What a waste of talent!
Ben “No Expectations/Looking Forward/Starting From Scratch” Simmons should not receive anything above a minimum salary in his next contract no matter what he does in the next year or so.
I actually feel sorry for Nets fans as they have had to endure a series of high-priced, injured, egotistical bums.
Next contract? What’s the minimum for the Guangdong Tigers?
How did he hurt it? He hasn’t played a basketball game in about 3yrs
“How does he continue having pain after back problems?”
-not advocating foe Simmons. I am advocating pain-
My advice.
Go in a pain center. Overflowing with people.
Take a poll of 1,000. Assume that they only have pain because of sports. Or one specific job. And that they probably can’t continue to have pain without re-injuring. Not sports or Rest solves pain.
Be real insistent and obnoxious about the cause of their pain.
Find out.
All of those people aren’t multimillionaires so most might feel their pain. People can’t relate to baby Ben cause they have to keep working even if hurt, while this female dog sits on his @$$ making generational wealth for doing it.
Pocket watching is ugly on everybody. You sound jealous
As public as contracts are now everyone who pays any attention knows their pay. It’s more following an awful investment than jealousy. Every sport has some awful investments.
Probably while partying… :)
This will continue as long as he has a contract. If someone is wiling to pay, this will be an issue. Will also probably be his last big contract since I doubt any insurer will cover it.
Same article, current date
No matter what the truth is, what a sad outcome for his career. Dude had talent despite his limitations.
Back pain doesn’t really go away. And nerve damage is about the worst. Every step one takes radiates pain. The steroid shots he got are very temporary pain relief and his temporary relief is probably over. It’s too bad but Ben probably should make sure he has other options to fall back on. Lots of athletes have short careers.