March 14, 2024
The Nets
announced that Simmons underwent a successful microscopic partial discectomy earlier Thursday to alleviate the nerve impingement in his lower back. Simmons is expected to make a full recovery ahead of training camp.
ANALYSIS
The back surgery is Simmons' second since he joined the Nets in 2022. After missing a stretch of 38 consecutive games from early November through late January while recovering from the back impingement, Simmons returned to play in nine contests, only for the back issue to rear its head again and result in him being shut down for the season. The 27-year-old has suited up for just 57 contests across the last three campaigns, and his continual back problems have raised significant questions about his NBA future moving forward. When healthy this season, Simmons still showcased playmaking ability in addition to be a long, active defender against opposing guards, though poor shooting remained an issue. Simmons will be owed $40.3 million by Brooklyn in 2024-25, the final season of the five-year extension he signed in 2019 while still with Philadelphia.