Ben Simmons will he go down in history as one of those exceptional talents wasted by injuries, like Penny Hardaway and Grant Hill before him? While this season was supposed to be his return to the highest level, the Australian only lasted two weeks before relapsing, affected by a nervous pinch in his back.
Since November 6, the date of his last official match, the player has been in the dark and must follow the recommendations of the medical staff in the hope of seeing his case improve, even if for the moment, progress is minimal. For the first time since this new blow, Ben Simmons spoke about this new blow.
“This is probably one of the most frustrating moments of my career because I want to help my team win and be competitive”, did he declare before the reception of the reigning champion. “But in the end, it’s one of those things that is part of sport. Not all matches are decided in advance. Injuries happen. Unfortunately, it happens. So for me it’s about focusing on what I can do now and doing what I can to get back on the pitch and contribute.”
A struggle as much physical as mental
The former Sixers also confirmed that he had resumed work on the field following his epidural infiltration, with running and shooting on the program, without forcing too much, or knowing where it would all take him.
For the moment, it's difficult for him to know how long his convalescence will last, which probably won't help on a mental level.
“I don’t have any specific expectations”he confided about his return schedule. “I just come every day and work. I think that's one of the aspects of this type of injury. I know you shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself about the exact date or anything else. It’s just about continuing to progress until you get to a point where you can play.”
Morale is clearly not high, but Ben Simmons is holding on, hoping that the wheel will eventually turn.
“For me, the rehabilitation process is… It's never fun. But it's one of the things I've focused on since this injury and every day I try to improve, to get back on the field.
| Ben Simmons | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2017-18 | PHL | 81 | 34 | 54.5 | 0.0 | 56.0 | 1.8 | 6.4 | 8.1 | 8.2 | 2.6 | 1.7 | 3.4 | 0.9 | 15.8 |
| 2018-19 | PHL | 79 | 34 | 56.3 | 0.0 | 60.0 | 2.2 | 6.7 | 8.8 | 7.7 | 2.7 | 1.4 | 3.5 | 0.8 | 16.9 |
| 2019-20 | PHL | 57 | 35 | 58.0 | 28.6 | 62.1 | 2.0 | 5.8 | 7.8 | 8.0 | 3.3 | 2.1 | 3.5 | 0.6 | 16.4 |
| 2020-21 | PHL | 58 | 32 | 55.7 | 30.0 | 61.3 | 1.6 | 5.6 | 7.2 | 6.9 | 3.0 | 1.6 | 3.0 | 0.6 | 14.3 |
| 2022-23 | BRK | 42 | 26 | 56.6 | 0.0 | 43.9 | 1.0 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 6.1 | 3.3 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 0.6 | 6.9 |
| 2023-24 | BRK | 6 | 32 | 52.8 | 0.0 | 25.0 | 2.7 | 8.2 | 10.8 | 6.7 | 2.7 | 0.5 | 2.5 | 0.8 | 6.5 |
| Total | 323 | 33 | 56.0 | 13.9 | 59.0 | 1.8 | 6.1 | 7.9 | 7.5 | 2.9 | 1.6 | 3.2 | 0.7 | 14.6 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
