Crushing development in Ben Simmons saga as NBA star out for months

Ben Simmons is going to be out of action for many more months as the Brooklyn Nets issued a statement about the NBA star’s situation.

Ben Simmons is still out of action. Elsa/Getty Images/AFP

Ben Simmons is preparing to undergo back surgery that will take several months to recover from.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski revealed the news on Twitter, writing: “Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons is expected to need 3-to-4 months to make a full recovery on back surgery, sources tell ESPN. The expectation is that he’ll be ready to return well ahead of training camp.”

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The Nets released a statement of their own soon after. “After consultation with multiple back specialists, it has been determined that the best course of action for Ben’s long-term health is for him to undergo surgery,” the NBA franchise said.

“The microdiscectomy procedure, scheduled for Thursday, is designed to alleviate pain caused by the herniated disc in Ben’s back.

“Further updates will be provided following the procedure.”

A furore around Simmons exploded as Brooklyn were swept 4-0 in their first-round playoff series against Boston last month — a huge let-down for a team featuring superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Simmons, who joined the Nets from Philadelphia in a blockbuster trade involving James Harden in February, didn’t play at all last season and came under heavy fire after failing to suit up for Game 4 against the Celtics, having targeted that match as a comeback.

The Aussie had been practising with the aim of returning to action but woke up on the morning of the game with back soreness and sat out as his team’s season ended early.

Ben Simmons spent the entire season on the sideline. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

NBA players and pundits unloaded on Simmons for sitting out. American sportscaster Stephen A. Smith delivered the most brutal smackdown, saying Simmons “might also be the weakest, most pathetic excuse for a professional athlete we’ve ever seen in not just American history but the history of sport”.

“I do recall despite him not playing, he still filed a grievance to collect $20 million (from the 76ers) that he has not earned. This is one of the most pathetic situations that I’ve ever seen in my life,” Smith said.

“He ain’t going to war, he ain’t going in the (UFC) Octagon, he’s not going into the boxing ring. It’s pulling teeth to get this man to play basketball.

“It’s pathetic, it’s sad.”

Simmons refused to play for the Sixers this season, demanding a trade after coming in for criticism for the way he played during last year’s playoffs defeat against Atlanta.

Simmons cited mental health reasons for his absence for the floor, while his back injury was also an issue that continued to plague him.