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Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets’ Ben Simmons scheduled to undergo back surgery

Simmons has not played a game since February 2021

By Alejandro Avila OutKick
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Brooklyn fans waiting on guard Ben Simmons’ debut may have to come back later for a positive update.

The Brooklyn Nets announced that Simmons is scheduled to undergo back surgery on Thursday —opting for a microdiscectomy procedure to address lingering pain from a herniated disc injury.

Simmons has not played a game since February 2021 and was keen on returning in early 2022 after getting traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Brooklyn Nets. He sat out for the entirety of the NBA 2021-22 season.

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The Nets Ben Simmons is pictured working out on the court before the game. The Boston Celtics hosted the Brooklyn Nets in Game One of the NBA first round playoff series at the TD Garden in Boston on April 17, 2022. 

The Nets Ben Simmons is pictured working out on the court before the game. The Boston Celtics hosted the Brooklyn Nets in Game One of the NBA first round playoff series at the TD Garden in Boston on April 17, 2022.  (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

The Nets released a statement on Wednesday.

"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 Nets announced.

"The microdiscectomy procedure, scheduled for Thursday, is designed to alleviate pain caused by the herniated disc in Ben’s back. Further dates will be provided following the procedure."

Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons sits on the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, in New York.

Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons sits on the bench during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Trading away All-Star James Harden for an injured Simmons and sitting Kyrie Irving for the majority of the regular season came back to bite the Nets when they got swept in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

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Brooklyn Nets' James Harden (13) tries to drive past Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons (25) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, in Philadelphia.

Brooklyn Nets' James Harden (13) tries to drive past Philadelphia 76ers' Ben Simmons (25) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski noted that the injury would sideline Simmons for "3-4 months," setting him up to return before training camps.

Follow along on Twitter:@AlejandroAveela