Ben Simmons injury update: Brooklyn Nets star expected to be out for the season following nerve impingement diagnosis

Ben Simmons has been sidelined for a month now, and it appears he won't be back on the court again this season. Recent reports indicate that the former No. 1 pick will be shut down due to injury.

After missing all of last season, it has been a rough year for Ben Simmons with the Brooklyn Nets. He has not looked like the player we grew accustomed to seeing at the start of his career. In the 42 games he's played this year, Simmons is averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists.

During a recent appearance on "FanDuel TV," NBA insider Shams Charania detailed the latest on the former All-Star. He said Simmons is expected to miss the remainder of the season because of a nerve injury in his back.

"I'm told the expectation is that he is done for the year. Essentially, him, the Nets, are going to take their time. Time has run out on the season, he's going to see doctors this week."

Although they still hold a playoff spot, the Brooklyn Nets' season has gone in a different direction following two blockbuster trades. Following a disappointing first year with his new team, Simmons now has the entire offseason to get his body in shape.

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Will Ben Simmons be the same player he was ever again?

After the way things unfolded this season, one has to wonder if we'll ever see the old Ben Simmons again. Between his meltdown with the Philadelphia 76ers and his performances with the Brooklyn Nets, it's clear he's not the same.

When Simmons was first traded for James Harden, some thought he could be the final piece of the puzzle for the Nets. Many felt he could be a facilitator and high-level defender while not having to be relied on as a scorer next to Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. But that wasn't the case.

Moving forward, the Nets should be heavily invested in getting Simmons back to 100%. He still has multiple years left on his contract and his salary will be around $40 million. Whether it's to move him or keep him for the future, the organization should be invested in his health.

While this season might not have worked out well for Simmons, he still has time to turn things around. At 26 years old, he is in the early phases of what is considered his prime. If he is able to get his body right again, he might be able to return to his All-Star self.