Ben Simmons will not play again this season because of a nerve injury in his back, ending the Australian’s disappointing first full campaign with the Brooklyn Nets after just 42 games.
Simmons saw multiple specialists this week who determined he should be shut down for the season because of a nerve impingement.
The 26-year-old will instead begin a full rehabilitation program, with coach Jacque Vaughn saying on Tuesday a full recovery was expected.
It is the second straight year Simmons has missed a chunk of action because of a back injury.
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He had surgery in the off-season to repair a disk problem, and once he returned to the court he was bothered by a sore left knee before issues returned with his back.
(Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Simmons finishes his NBA season with averages of 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists.
The No.1 pick in the 2016 draft did not play after the All-Star break in February.
He had fallen out of the starting line-up before that, unable to regain the form that earned his three All-Star selections when he was with the Philadelphia 76ers.
He was traded to the Nets in February last year after initially refusing to play for the 76ers in the 2021-22 season, citing mental-health concerns.
His back problems surfaced as he worked to get himself prepared to play for the Nets.
He is making $US35.4 million ($A53m) this season, and is due $US78.2m ($A117m) more over the next two years.
Simmons, who recently parted ways with Klutch Sports as his agent, has a clouded long-term future due to his underwhelming form in recent seasons.
Rellum
Roar Guru
The evidence is getting stronger that Ben Simmons never plays again.