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Former Sixers star Ben Simmons shut down for remainder of Brooklyn Nets season

Simmons was in the midst of a disappointing first season playing for Brooklyn, averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists over 42 games while shooting 43.9% from the free-throw line.

The Brooklyn Nets' Ben Simmons drives against the Sixers' P.J. Tucker during a game at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 25, 2023.
The Brooklyn Nets' Ben Simmons drives against the Sixers' P.J. Tucker during a game at the Wells Fargo Center on Jan. 25, 2023.Read moreCharles Fox / Staff Photographer

Ben Simmons will miss the rest of the regular season and the playoffs with an ongoing back issue, coach Jacque Vaughn told reporters Tuesday.

Simmons, who has not played following the All-Star break, was diagnosed with nerve impingement last week. Vaughn said that, after consulting multiple doctors and specialists, Simmons will begin a rehab program and is expected to make a full recovery.

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This is the latest in a series of health issues for Simmons since becoming a Net. A back injury that eventually required surgery kept the former All-Star out of action after he was acquired from the 76ers in a blockbuster deadline trade last February, following a months-long trade request and holdout. He has also dealt with knee soreness.

Simmons was in the midst of a disappointing first season playing for Brooklyn, averaging 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists over 42 games while shooting 43.9% on 1.4 free-throw attempts per game. Reports also recently surfaced that Simmons had separated from longtime agency Klutch Sports. The Nets’ roster, meanwhile, has dramatically changed around Simmons in recent weeks, after they traded away stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in February.

The Sixers play their regular-season finale at Brooklyn on April 9. The Nets would also be their first-round playoff opponent if the season ended Tuesday.