Nets' Ben Simmons Granted Green Light for Light Workouts, Still Faces Indefinite Recovery

Amidst injury concerns, the Brooklyn Nets receive a boost with Cam Thomas nearing a return, while Ben Simmons undergoes light workouts.

© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets fans took an important sigh of relief when the team recently announced that Cam Thomas is now on his way to finally make a return soon. The Nets’ leading scorer now has a green light for increased on-court plays and is expected to finally get included in the team's collective activities for next week.

To add up, the MRI of Dennis Smith Jr. provided an added positivity as the defensive guard will remain out on a day-to-day basis with his lower back strain. Still, he will continue to receive medical treatment in order to be back on the court as soon as possible.

Still no news on Ben

As both Thomas and Smith Jr. progress toward their comebacks, the status of Ben Simmons continues to be under observation.

According to the Nets’ public relations release, Simmons will continue to improve in his treatment and is permitted to do light individual workouts.

Brooklyn will provide a next update within 7-10 days of re-evaluation as the swingman has experienced another nerve impingement, but this time at his lower left back.

“Ben Simmons (left lower back nerve impingement) is continuing to improve with treatment and has begun light individual court work. Simmons, who has missed the past six games, will have his status updated again in 7-10 days.”

A huge loss for the Nets

Simmons has been on the Nets’ recovery shelf for over a week and has missed the team's last seven games with the previous one back on Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks.

Thankfully enough, the Nets still have a plethora of versatile wing defenders to rely on with Mikal Bridges, Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson and Royce O'Neale available. But the three-time All-Star’s playmaking ability will still continue to get sorely missed with Spencer Dinwiddie already carrying the huge load at the point.

Simmons, 27, is averaging 6.5 points, 6.7 assists and a career-best 10.8 boards in six games so far this 2023-24.

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