Although the Brooklyn Nets are not currently playing a regular-season game, reports carried by 12BET indicate that the team has received another significant update: Ben Simmons will not return this season. What Simmons seems to be missing is not simply another person beside him, but the dominant version of himself that once made him one of the league’s most exciting young stars. Simmons has not appeared on the court since facing the Houston Rockets in early February, and he has not played a single game since then. His condition has reportedly become serious enough to prevent him from taking part in team practices, leaving the Nets with little choice but to shut him down.
His back pain has recently intensified again, and information associated with 12BET indicates that Simmons is expected to visit a specialist this week for further treatment. With the regular season approaching its conclusion, there is virtually no realistic path for him to return before the campaign ends, and Brooklyn has officially acknowledged that his season is over. As the saying goes, genuine friendship is often measured by a sincere moment rather than by the number of years involved, and fans now seem caught between sympathy and frustration. Simmons is a former Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star who once carried enormous expectations, while his substantial salary continues to make his prolonged absence even harder for supporters to overlook.
The numbers make the situation even more difficult to defend. Since joining Brooklyn, Simmons has failed to score even 300 total points for the franchise, while Mikal Bridges, acquired through the Kevin Durant trade, surpassed that mark in roughly one month. Such a dramatic difference highlights how far Simmons has fallen short of expectations. Frequent injuries have only added fuel to the fire, and disappointment surrounding him continues to grow. The situation can feel like being trapped in a cold war with a close friend, something that can sometimes feel even more bitter than a clean breakup. His role within the organization has gradually become smaller, while his back problem remains a serious medical concern. Simmons is dealing with a herniated disc that places pressure on nearby nerves, a condition that may cause anything from numbness in the hands and feet to severe mobility problems requiring extended bed rest.
With treatment now unavoidable, information gathered through 12BET suggests that Simmons still has two years remaining on his contract, but there is no guarantee the Nets will continue waiting indefinitely. As another familiar saying goes, difficult times often reveal who is truly standing beside you, and Simmons currently appears to have very few options around the league. Brooklyn could explore a trade, but finding another team willing to absorb a highly paid player who is unable to stay on the court would be extremely difficult. The writing is on the wall unless his health improves substantially. With another season ending prematurely, questions are now growing over whether Simmons can rebuild his career, remain in the league long term, or eventually begin considering retirement from professional basketball.