Brooklyn Nets eliminated Ben Simmons in Game 4; All-Star forward reports back pain, sources say
Within hours of his scheduled season debut, brooklyn network guard Ben Simmons reported a return of back pain on Sunday, sources told ESPN, and was ruled out of Monday’s Game with Boston Celtics.
After about 10 pain-free days after recovering from a herniated disc, Simmons’ admission to the team’s practice facility was both surprising and disappointing. On the eve of the Celtics sweep, the Nets had been hoping Simmons would be even and active in hopes of coach Steve Nash using him in limited minutes, sources said.
While Nash and Nets players have publicly said they’re not sure if Simmons will finally play in Game 4 on Monday, Simmons and the organization have discussed at length his plans to launch on Monday. Monday in Game 4 at the Barclays Center, sources said.
Within the organization, Simmons has expressed eagerness and optimism through how much he talks about the possibility of his season debut in the series, sources said.
While Simmons couldn’t script with Nets starters, there’s still some hope his presence on the field could help some of the failing teams – and allow Simmons to return to a game. NBA for the first time. A crisis against Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals as a member of Philadelphia 76ers kick off the action in a tumultuous 10 months with trading requests, mental health issues and back trouble.
Simmons comes with the Nets with Seth curry, Andre Drummond and two future first round picks in a blockbuster trade on February 10 sent James Harden to 76ers.
Simmons filed a complaint to challenge the nearly $20 million salary the 76ers withheld for him this season. Philadelphia has repeatedly asserted that Simmons was in breach of his contract under a collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association and has the right to reclaim any money advanced to him prior to the season. .
The NBA and NBPA have been at odds on this and now the referee can set a precedent for how future contractual and mental health issues can be handled. The 76ers have asserted that Simmons breached his player contract by not showing up for the start of training camp and refusing to play throughout last season and the regular season.
Simmons arrived in Philadelphia near the end of the season but cited his mental health as his limited participation in team activities. The 76ers and Simmons disagreed about the level of access the team and their doctors were given Simmons to diagnose and confirm his mental health.
In an effort to resolve the matter without arbitration, representatives for Simmons have had several conversations with the Sixers since the blockbuster deal arrived in Brooklyn for Harden, sources said.
Simmons, 25, is a three-time All-Star and will have three years and $114 million left on his contract starting next season.
