Ben Simmons’ recent update highlights lack of transparency within Nets organization
Ben Simmons has officially been a player for the Brooklyn Nets for over two weeks. After not playing in a game all season, the 25-year-old has been listed as out for games due to ‘return to competition reconditioning.’ That makes sense, however, Brooklyn’s front office has once again fallen short with injury updates.
Let’s take a look at Joe Harris. He hasn’t played in a game since Nov. 14 and on Nov. 29 he underwent surgery that was originally thought to keep him sidelined for four-to-eight weeks. Harris has had issues with his rehab and his status is still unclear, like Simmons.
During the Nets game last Thursday night against the Celtics on TNT, Ian Eagle reported that Simmons has been dealing with a sore back during his ramp-up.
Before Brooklyn’s game in Milwaukee two nights later, Shams Charania confirmed Eagle’s report that Simmons is dealing with back soreness. Charania added that the Nets don’t have a timetable for Simmons’ season debut.
Brooklyn has no set timetable for Simmons' return. It's uncertain whether the three-time All-Star will clear necessary return-to-play hurdles for Nets' March 10 return trip to Philadelphia, but team is treating as a day-to-day process. https://t.co/SnWVQeSWPS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 26, 2022
Ben Simmons is experiencing back soreness during his Brooklyn Nets ramp-up.
Minutes after Charania’s report was released, members of the media heard from Steve Nash in his pregame press conference.
Nash confirmed the report but brushed it off.
Steve Nash confirms @ShamsCharania report on Ben Simmons, says he has "a little back soreness." Doesn't consider it an injury, just something that has come up as he gets back into form.
— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) February 27, 2022
It’s understandable that Simmons is working through back soreness considering that it’s been over eight months since he last played in an NBA game. However, if it’s “a little back soreness” then it doesn’t make sense why Brooklyn didn’t make that known in the first place. Instead, the report came from elsewhere.
The Nets don’t have a good history with injury reports. As mentioned, fans have seen that firsthand this season with Harris. It’s one thing for Harris to not be ready to play but it’s another for Brooklyn to go in circles about his status.
Without a doubt, the Nets need to be more transparent about injuries. As a fan, it’s frustrating to know that you can learn more about the status of a player from watching a nationally broadcast game than from the team. That needs to change.
Hopefully, Simmons will be able to take the court soon and we hope the same for Harris, although that doesn’t seem as likely.
During Simmons’ introductory press conference, he said that he hopes that he’ll be able to play in Philadelphia on Mar. 10. That’s a little over a week and a half away.
There’s still a chance that can happen, although his status is still uncertain. As soon as Simmons is cleared, Brooklyn won’t have much time to acclimate him to his new team. The regular season ends on Apr. 10 and the Nets need to go full force into the next month and a half.
