Ben Simmons crashed out of the 2022/23 NBA season on March 28. The Australian guard had struggled with nerve inflammation for most of the month, as well as dealing with a number of other injuries over the course of the season. The Nets, cautious about injuring Simmons further, opted to shut him down for the season as opposed to rushing him back for the playoffs.
The season, Simmons' first with the Nets, saw him play in just 42 games. He averaged just 6.9 points per game and saw other dropoffs across the board. It was far from the start of his post-Sixers career that Simmons was likely hoping for. However, Simmons is remaining optimistic, and recent comments have outlined where his mentality is at regarding next season. Simmons is owed $78.2 million over the next two seasons, according to his current contract.
Simmons Eyes World Cup And Bounce Back NBA Season
“Ben has been cleared to progress to his next stage of his rehab and is progressing really well,” Simmons’ agent Bernie Lee told The New York Post's Brian Lewis Wednesday. “And we remain very excited about his ability to return to form next year.” That next step appeared to be open-court practice, as Simmons posted to his Instagram story from a gym in Miami. Furthermore, the news indicates that unlike the Nets had feared, Simmons will not have to undergo further surgery, be it for his knee or back.
Additionally, Simmons is looking to get back to the court before the start of the next NBA season. In particular, the guard is eyeing the chance to represent Australia at the FIBA World Cup. This year's World Cup, the second to feature 32 teams, is set to be co-hosted by Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines. Starting on August 25, the training camp for the Australian National Team begins on August 1. Simmons made his national debut in 2013 but has withdrawn from all subsequent national team call-ups. Australia face Germany, Finland, and Japan in the group stage. How do you feel about the Ben Simmons situation? Let us know in the comments. Be sure to follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.
[via]
