Ben Simmons fully recovered from back surgery, set to participate in Nets training camp

Simmons appeared in 15 games for the Brooklyn team last season before undergoing a partial discectomy to address a longstanding back issue that has limited him to playing only 57 games over the past three seasons since his last All-Star appearance. His surgery was aimed at providing a more permanent solution to his back impingement problems. Reports indicate that Simmons has fully recovered from the procedure, with his trainer Chris Brickley and agent Bernie Lee confirming this through NBA insider Chris Haynes.

Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons (recovered from a back procedure) will be a go to begin training camp on Oct. 1 with no restrictions, his agent Bernie Lee tells me: “Ben is fully cleared and is a full participant for the start of camp. He is excited to get started.” pic.twitter.com/FeAlR85j2L

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 20, 2024

All things Simmons should be taken with not just a grain but a full box of Morton's Kosher salt. We've all been down this road multiple times. It's not just that Simmons has to get to training camp healthy, he has to maintain it.

There's a lot of pressure on Simmons this season as he enters the final year of the five-year, $177 million max extension he signed with Philadelphia in 2019 (he will make $40.3 million this season). His health and how he plays this season will have a major impact on his next contract — or if there is a next contract. When Simmons did play last season he averaged 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists a game on 58.1% shooting, looking like the Simmons we have come to know: A quality defender who can do almost everything on offense except shoot a jump shot, which limits him considerably.

Expect Simmons' name to come up in trade talks around Brooklyn — and there will be a lot of trade rumors around the Nets as they are expected to be sellers — but more as an expiring contract and salary ballast than as a player.

If Simmons wants to be valued more as a player, he will have to stay on the court and earn it.