Nets’ Ben Simmons Undergoes Surgery, Likely Out Three Weeks Before Starting Rehab

As expected, Nets newcomer Ben Simmons underwent back surgery on Thursday and is expected to be out three weeks before beginning rehab, as relayed by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Nets announced that Simmons would be required to undergo surgery on his back on Wednesday. They updated the news a day later, saying the surgery was a success.

Simmons missed the entire season, at first sitting out with the 76ers in search of a trade. When he finally landed one in February, his back was reportedly what kept him off the court. As it stands, he has not played in a game in almost a year.

According to the Nets’ initial release, Simmons is expected to miss 3-4 months. That timeframe would mean he would be available in time for training camp.

Simmons, 25, was working toward a return to action and a Nets debut, before back soreness reportedly returned and shut him down the day before the final game of the season. The Nets were swept by the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs.