Ben Simmons Undergoes Back Surgery


Maybe his back issue was really holding him back, after all. After so much talk about whether or not Ben Simmons should have suited up for the Brooklyn Nets in their one-and-done playoff series with the Boston Celtics, turns out that his back problem required surgery, which was performed, successfully, today. 

After consulting with "multiple back specialists", Simmons underwent a microdiscectomy "designed to alleviate pain caused by the herniated disc" in his back. 

The initial recovery period, according to Shams Charania, is 3-to-4 weeks, at which time he can begin rehab. A full recovery is not expected for 3-to-4 months. 

Although this surgery is usually successful, there is one cautionary tale, as explained by Stefan Bondy, Knicks beat reporter:

Bondy tweeted that athletes such as Tiger Woods, along with NBA players Dwight Howard, Michael Porter Jr., and Brook Lopez have had this surgery, and all came back to play. However, Steve Kerr had the procedure done and it "led to further complications and pain in his back."

Simmons is expected to be fully healed and ready in time for training camp in October. 

Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports