Ben Simmons’ name once carried the promise of basketball brilliance. A towering 6ft 10in point guard with elite playmaking and defensive skills, he was hailed as the next big thing in the NBA. Yet, in 2025, the conversation around Simmons is less about his potential and more about his injuries, setbacks, and uncertain future.
Over the last few seasons, Simmons’ body has been his biggest opponent. His ongoing back problems have not only derailed his performances but also reignited debates about his long-term career viability. With fresh updates surfacing from the Brooklyn Nets camp, fans are again asking — is Ben Simmons finally on the road to recovery, or are we witnessing the slow fade of a once-promising career?
The Latest on Ben Simmons’ Injury Situation
As of October 2025, Ben Simmons continues to deal with nerve irritation in his lower back, a recurring issue that has plagued him since his time with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Brooklyn Nets confirmed earlier this month that Simmons’ training has been limited, as the medical staff takes a cautious approach to avoid another flare-up.
According to the New York Post and ESPN, Simmons has been participating in non-contact drills but hasn’t been cleared for full gameplay. This development follows a summer of rehabilitation and light conditioning designed to strengthen his core and manage the herniated disc that sidelined him during much of the 2023–24 NBA season.
Nets head coach Jordi Fernández expressed cautious optimism, saying Simmons has made “measurable progress” and looks more confident in his movement. However, Fernández admitted that the medical team is in “no rush” to bring him back, hinting that Brooklyn would rather have a healthy Simmons in 2026 than risk another premature return.
A Career Overshadowed by Injury and Expectation
For British basketball followers, Ben Simmons has always been a fascinating figure. The Australian-born guard, with dual American and Australian heritage, was once one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. Drafted as the No. 1 overall pick in 2016 by the Philadelphia 76ers, Simmons immediately drew comparisons to legends like Magic Johnson due to his size, court vision, and defensive prowess.
However, the promise soon gave way to frustration. A combination of injuries and confidence issues — particularly around his shooting — began to define his narrative. His back injury, first diagnosed as a herniated L4–L5 disc in 2020, became a persistent problem.
By the time he joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, Simmons was already seen as a player in need of physical and mental rebuilding. The Nets hoped to revive his career, pairing him with stars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But injuries struck again, and Simmons played just a fraction of available games over the next three seasons.
In the 2023–24 campaign, Simmons appeared in only 15 games, averaging 6.1 points, 7.9 assists, and 6.8 rebounds — flashes of brilliance overshadowed by absences and inconsistency.
Medical Insight: The Nature of His Back Injury
Simmons’ condition — nerve irritation resulting from a herniated disc — is notoriously difficult for athletes to manage. The lumbar spine bears much of the body’s load, and nerve impingement can cause shooting pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
Dr. James Andrews, a leading sports orthopaedist, told The Athletic that such injuries often require “extreme patience and tailored rehabilitation.” He noted that while surgical repair can sometimes help, it’s not a guaranteed solution, and re-injury risks remain high for athletes whose game relies on explosive movement.
In Simmons’ case, the Nets’ decision to avoid rushing his return is backed by medical prudence. Back injuries are cumulative — one wrong movement could undo months of recovery. That’s why Brooklyn’s medical team is taking an approach similar to elite UK-based sports programmes seen in Premier League football, where players like Jeremy Hunt’s publicly discussed recovery funding reforms for athletes have sparked broader interest in long-term rehabilitation strategies (Jeremy Hunt Net Worth).
The Mental Battle Behind the Physical Pain
Beyond the physical toll, Simmons’ struggles have also been mental.
Since his infamous 2021 playoff collapse with the 76ers — where he passed up an open dunk in a critical moment — his confidence has visibly declined.
Sports psychologists have frequently noted how public criticism and social media pressure can hinder an athlete’s recovery and motivation.
During a 2024 interview, Simmons admitted, “When your body fails you, it hits you in the mind first. The hardest part is trusting yourself again.”
This vulnerability has made him a more human figure in the eyes of fans. Once portrayed as aloof or disinterested, Simmons now comes across as a player fighting not just to compete, but to reclaim his identity.
How the Brooklyn Nets Are Adapting
The Brooklyn Nets have taken a pragmatic stance. With Simmons unavailable for much of the past two seasons, the team has shifted towards a more youthful, defensive system centred on Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas.
Coach Fernández has praised Simmons’ leadership in the locker room, noting that his presence still “elevates team communication and defensive awareness.”
However, it’s clear that the Nets are planning for both scenarios — a healthy Simmons return or his gradual phase-out.
NBA analysts believe the franchise may adopt a load management plan similar to what Barcelona used with veterans during the 2025 Champions League season, where experienced stars were carefully rotated to preserve fitness (Barcelona vs PSG 2025 Champions League thriller).
Fans’ Divided Reactions
Simmons remains a polarising figure among fans, particularly in the UK, where basketball’s growing popularity means NBA stars are closely followed.
Some supporters empathise with his struggles, viewing him as a victim of relentless media pressure. Others believe his lack of accountability contributed to his downfall.
Social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit are filled with debates. One UK-based NBA podcast, Beyond the Arc UK, argued that “Simmons’ story is what happens when talent meets fragility — physical and psychological.”
Yet there’s still hope. His flashes of brilliance — the no-look passes, full-court dashes, and defensive stops — remind fans why the league once called him “the most complete young player since LeBron James.”
Comparisons to Other Sporting Comebacks
Ben Simmons’ injury story echoes those of athletes across sports.
In British boxing, for instance, Misfits Boxing fighters have often battled long injury layoffs before returning to form (Misfits Boxing).
Similarly, in football, Cameron Norrie’s girlfriend’s support during his recent setbacks in the tennis circuit has drawn parallels to Simmons’ reliance on a strong support system (Cameron Norrie Girlfriend).
These examples underline the same truth — recovery in elite sport is never just about the body. It’s about rebuilding trust, confidence, and belief in one’s craft.
Can Ben Simmons Still Make an Impact?
Despite the doubts, experts argue that Simmons could still carve out a meaningful NBA role if managed carefully.
Former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy recently suggested that Simmons might thrive in a hybrid forward-centre role — focusing on defence, playmaking, and rebounding while minimising the strain of full-court offence.
That could extend his career, provided his back holds up. If the Nets use him strategically — in 20–25 minute bursts rather than full games — Simmons could become an elite utility player, much like Draymond Green’s role at the Golden State Warriors.
For the Nets, that would be a significant asset in their rebuilding phase. For Simmons, it could be redemption.
The Broader Impact on the NBA
Simmons’ saga has reignited conversations across the NBA about the mental and physical pressures on players.
Leagues are increasingly investing in athlete welfare programmes, mirroring approaches seen in UK sports.
The NBA Players Association has also expanded its mental health support initiative, citing cases like Simmons’ as “reminders of the human side of performance.”
Meanwhile, British fans continue to embrace the NBA with growing enthusiasm. From Strictly Come Dancing stars discussing their favourite teams (Strictly News) to UK-based athletes like Graziano Di Prima sharing admiration for the league’s global culture (Graziano Di Prima), basketball has firmly entered Britain’s mainstream sporting conversation.
FAQs on Ben Simmons’ Injury and Career
1. What exactly is Ben Simmons’ injury?
Simmons suffers from nerve irritation in his lower back, linked to a herniated disc. It causes pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
2. How long has Ben Simmons been injured?
His back issues began in 2020 and have recurred multiple times. He missed most of the 2023–24 NBA season due to the same problem.
3. Is Ben Simmons expected to return this season?
As of October 2025, there is no fixed return date. The Nets’ medical staff are taking a cautious, step-by-step approach.
4. How has the injury affected his performance?
The injury has significantly reduced his game time and explosiveness. He now focuses more on playmaking than driving to the rim.
5. Can Ben Simmons still be an NBA star?
If he stays healthy and adapts his playing style, Simmons could still become an elite defensive and facilitating player for the Nets or another team.
Final Thoughts
Ben Simmons’ injury journey has been a test of endurance — both physical and emotional. Once the NBA’s next great star, he now symbolises the fragile balance between talent and health.
His story resonates far beyond basketball. It’s about resilience, reinvention, and the price of greatness in modern sport. Whether Simmons returns to his former glory or transitions into a new role, one thing remains certain — his career continues to fascinate, frustrate, and inspire fans across the world, including here in the UK.
