Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons, who missed the entire NBA season and playoffs, will undergo back surgery on Thursday, the team announced.
"After consultation with multiple back specialists, it has been determined that the best course of action for Ben's long-term health is for him to undergo surgery. The microdiscectomy procedure, scheduled for Thursday, is designed to alleviate pain caused by the herniated disk in Ben's back. Further updates will be provided following the procedure," read the Nets' press release.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Simmons' recovery will take three-to-four months and he is expected to be ready well before Brooklyn's 2022-23 training camp begins.
The No. 1 pick in the 2016 draft didn’t play in Philadelphia after requesting a trade, citing mental health concerns. After he was dealt to Brooklyn in February in a deal for James Harden, he was bothered by the back while trying to rebuild his conditioning.
The Nets originally said he had back spasms but later said the problem was a herniated disk. Simmons eventually resumed workouts and hoped to make his debut during the playoffs against the Boston Celtics, but that plan was scrapped when he experienced more pain.
With files from Associated Press
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