Jacque Vaughn says epidural injection is not a setback in Ben Simmons comeback: "It was just a part of his getting back to playing"
Brooklyn Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn admitted on Saturday that Ben Simmons recently got an epidural injection to his back but clarified that it was part of his treatment and recovery plan. Vaughn also said that it doesn't mean that Simmons' back injury has worsened or that his recovery plan will be delayed.
The three-time NBA All-Star has not played since November 6th due to a nerve impingement on the lower left side of his back and is expected to be out for at least two more weeks.
"The epidural happened within the course of this week here," coach Jacque Vaughn said on Saturday night. "It was just a part of his getting back to playing, and that is a part of his treatment, a part of his strengthening that was just a part of his getting back to a position of joining us. No setbacks. Right now, he is still doing low-level stuff on the court. So no rebounding drills, no sprinting up the floor. Then, in two weeks, you'll continue to strengthen it and we'll have something hopefully for you then."
Ben was looking forward to this campaign
The early-season injury was a big blow for the 27-year-old Aussie, who was excited to redeem himself. Simmons has been one of the most maligned players in the NBA after his fall from grace in Philadelphia following the 2021 Playoffs. But after multiple surgeries, he was healthy and confident heading in the 2023-24 season.
"I'm happy I'm in this place now. I'm grateful I didn't do anything to have another surgery." Ben said to Marc J. Spears of Andscape. "The version I'm at now, if I was playing against myself from last season, I would kill him."
The 2023-24 version of Simmons was averaging 6.5 points, 6.7 assists, and a career-best 10.8 rebounds per game before another nerve impingement in his back sidelined him early last month. The Nets were 3-3 in the six games that he played for them this season. Brooklyn is currently 9th in the Eastern Conference with a 10-9 record.
Nets are eyeing the playoffs this season
Although Brooklyn made the playoffs last season, it had KD and Kyrie for the first half of it. The Nets are flying under the radar this year without a legit superstar, but the team is loaded with young and talented players who are hungry to prove themselves. Veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie talked about the team's potential with a healthy Simmons before the start of the season.
"I mean, you got some guys with some playoff experience, obviously," said Dinwiddie. "You know the team itself doesn't own its picks, so we definitely go try to win and get in the playoffs for sure. What the ceiling is, we don't know. Obviously, we're coming together as a unit. You know, Ben's back healthy, and we're trying to see where we can take it."
Unfortunately for Dinwiddie and the Nets, Ben's road to recovery has hit a snag, and it remains to be seen when he will return. However, Brooklyn is still in the thick of the playoff hunt, although it's still too early in the season. However, to make the postseason, the squad will need to have Simmons back and healthy.
