During Monday’s meeting with the Brooklyn Nets, Ben Simmons told those in the room that a mental block exists for him to return to the court, which is also creating stress that could be a trigger point for his back issues.
Simmons indicated that the mental block, at least in part, dates back to the 2021 playoffs.
Simmons added that he does want to continue his basketball career and play for the Nets as he also works on solutions for his well-being.
Simmons had targeted a return for Game 4, but he informed team officials on Sunday that his back felt sore. The decision “triggered frustration and disheartenment throughout the organization,” sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic.
When Simmons was traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Nets in February, he hoped to return before their March 10th game at Philadelphia. When that didn’t happen, a planned March 18th debut was scratched. Simmons underwent an epidural on March 15th.
