Brooklyn Nets Make Final Decision On Ben Simmons This Season

The Ben Simmons Saga with the Brooklyn Nets has not been filled with highs and lows this season, but rather just lows. And it has officially hit rock bottom today, as head coach Jacque Vaughn says he has been shut down for season.

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.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 28, 2023

Simmons will begin a rehab program for his troublesome back, just one of many ailments that have afflicted the former All-Star since his arrival in Brooklyn in the infamous James Harden trade a season ago. 

Jacque Vaughn on Ben Simmons: “Ben will not be joining us the rest of the year.”

Says team doctors and specialists expect him to make a full recovery

— Yaron Weitzman (@YaronWeitzman) March 28, 2023

“Ben will not be joining us the rest of the year," said Vaughn, while adding that team doctors and specialists expect him to make a full recovery. Surgery for his back has not been discussed, however, at this point. 

Simmons finishes his disastrous first season with the Nets having played just 42 games, averaging a career-low 6.9 points (less than half his career average), with 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists. He shot an embarrassing 44% from the free throw line, and took a mere 5.6 field goal attempts per game, also about half of his career average. 

Will he be back in Brooklyn next season? It should be an interesting storyline to follow this summer.

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports