Nets forward Ben Simmons says the lower back nerve impingement that has benched him for almost two months has him at the most frustrating point in his career.
“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,” he told reporters before the Nets- Nuggets game. “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.”
After months of struggles with a back and knee injury, Simmons was finally on the court and contributing positively until the nerve injury occurred against the Bucks on November 6 – the same one that ended his 2022-23 season early.
The three-time All-Star has missed 21 straight games for Brooklyn since.
When asked by reporters about a timeline to return, Simmons couldn’t offer anything definitive, while noting that back injuries are far more complicated than your simple ankle sprain or other bone injuries.
“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.”
Before his latest injury, the 27-year-old was averaging 6.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and and 6.7 assists on 52.8 shooting from the field.
READ MORE: Kevin Durant’s NSFW Message to Mike Brown