Ben Simmons Ruled Out for the Rest of the Season By Brooklyn Nets

• Ben Simmons will miss the remainder of the 2022/23 season due to a back injury, according to Brooklyn Nets coach Jacque Vaughn
• Simmons has missed the last 17 games for the Nets and a total of 33 in Nets' 75 games this season
• Simmons missed all of the 2021/22 season with a back problem and a holdout from playing for the Philadelphia 76ers

The Brooklyn Nets have shut down Ben Simmons for the rest of the 2022/23 season.

The point guard has not played for the Nets since the All-Star break due to a back problem.

The 26-year-old missed the entire 2021/22 season because of a back problem and a holdout from playing when he was with the Philadelphia 76ers. The 3x All-Star then faced heavy criticism for his actions.

It is over a year since Simmons was traded to the Nets by the Philadelphia 76ers for James Harden. Although Harden is not in his prime anymore, he has been productive for the Sixers.

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Meanwhile, Simmons's productivity has dropped significantly. He is posting career lows in minutes (26.3), points (6.9), rebounds (6.3), assists (6.1) and free throw percentage (43.9), per ESPN.

The Australian has missed 17 straight games and 33 in 75 Nets games this season.

Simmons shut down for the rest of the season

Nets coach Jacque Vaughn hinted that Simmons may not play a few weeks ago and has confirmed it.

"Ben will not be joining us the rest of the year and through the playoffs," Vaughn said after practice. "After consulting with our doctors, multiple specialists, he's just going to begin a rehab program. Our doctors and the specialists feel and think that he'll have a full recovery so that starts now."

The first overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft has another two years remaining on his contract, paying him roughly $80 million in the next two seasons, per the Athletic.

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Simmons wants his ring back

Sports Brief earlier reported on Simmons sending a legal demand over the $1-mil diamond engagement ring he gave to Love Island presenter Maya Jama.

The NBA star allegedly popped the question in December 2021, but it led to nothing, as they terminated their romantic relationship in almost exactly a year later.

Jama is reported to have not returned the engagement ring after the two went their separate ways, with the jewelry estimated at $800,000.