‘The NBA ain’t for everyone!’ – RJ reacts to Nets shutting down Ben Simmons | NBA Today
Brooklyn Nets coach Jacque Vaughn announced Tuesday that guard Ben Simmons would be ruled out for the rest of the season due to his recurring back problem.
After practice, Vaughn revealed that Simmons would start a rehabilitation program as team doctors and several specialists had recommended. The medical professionals are confident that he will completely recover.
“Ben will not be joining us the rest of the year and through the playoffs,” Vaughn said.
The former No.1 pick has been visibly struggling following his trade from the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons also had to undergo back surgery during the summer.
The 26-year-old has not participated in any games since the All-Star break last month. Due to various knee and back ailments, Simmons has been missing 17 games and has been unable to play in 33 out of the 75 games the Nets have played this season.
Shams Charania
2023-03-28 16:39
The Nets have ruled out Ben Simmons for the remainder of the season. Simmons is beginning a rehab program on his back, Nets coach Jacque Vaughn says.
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His performance on the court this season has been far from impressive compared to his All-Star days with the Sixers. He recorded career lows in various areas, including playing only 26.3 minutes on average per game, scoring a mere 6.9 points and an underwhelming free throw percentage of just 43.9 percent.
Adam Zagoria
2023-03-28 22:10
What a fall for Ben Simmons, a former No. 1 pick with so much promise in his younger days Nets shutting down Simmons for rest of season https://t.co/VjorxQIZz8
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Vaughn remains positive
That said, Vaughn seemed optimistic when asked about Simmons’ prospects of remaining a high-caliber athlete in the league.
He pointed out Simmons’ athleticism and 6-foot-10 stature, acknowledging the numerous benefits he could bring to the team on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court.
The 48-year-old coach also expressed his desire to mentor Simmons and help him return to his former level of play, which would significantly impact the team’s overall performance.
“So that’s definitely the goal going forward,” Vaughn said, as quoted by ESPN.
Simmons has two more years in his current contract that will pay him $37.8 million for the 2023-24 season and $40.3 million for the 2024-25 season.
