Ben Simmons Undergoes Back Surgery

Maybe his back issue was really holding him back, after all. After so much talk about whether or not Ben Simmons should have suited up for the Brooklyn Nets in their one-and-done playoff series with the Boston Celtics, turns out that his back problem required surgery, which was performed, successfully, today. 

After consulting with "multiple back specialists", Simmons underwent a microdiscectomy "designed to alleviate pain caused by the herniated disc" in his back. 

Ben Simmons medical update pic.twitter.com/EZDBbDJwGE

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 4, 2022

The initial recovery period, according to Shams Charania, is 3-to-4 weeks, at which time he can begin rehab. A full recovery is not expected for 3-to-4 months. 

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.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 4, 2022

Although this surgery is usually successful, there is one cautionary tale, as explained by Stefan Bondy, Knicks beat reporter:

Ben Simmons is undergoing microdiscectomy on his back.

Athletes who’ve had this surgery:

Dwight Howard, Michael Porter Jr., Brook Lopez, Tiger Woods.

A cautionary tale: Steve Kerr had a microdiscectomy and it led to further complications and pain in his back.

— Stefan Bondy (@SBondyNYDN) May 4, 2022

Bondy tweeted that athletes such as Tiger Woods, along with NBA players Dwight Howard, Michael Porter Jr., and Brook Lopez have had this surgery, and all came back to play. However, Steve Kerr had the procedure done and it "led to further complications and pain in his back."

Simmons is expected to be fully healed and ready in time for training camp in October. 

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports