Nets shutting down Ben Simmons, ending three-time All-Star’s worst statistical season

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The Ben Simmons experience in Brooklyn is not going well. 

The three-time All-Star was ruled out for the rest of the season Tuesday as he begins a rehab program on his back, Nets head coach Jacque Vaughn said. 

Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets, right, controls the ball against Georges Niang of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center Nov. 22, 2022, in Philadelphia. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Simmons has not played since Brooklyn’s final game before the NBA’s All-Star break and has played in just 42 games this season. 

WIZARDS STAR BRADLEY BEAL FACES PROBE OVER INCIDENT AFTER GAME VS. MAGIC: REPORTS

Simmons missed games this season for various reasons, including injuries to his knees and left calf. 

The back injury is due to a nerve impingement, according to the Nets. 

"For me as a coach, there’s some things that I can control, some things that I can’t control," Vaughn said Saturday. "What I can’t control is the impingement. What I can control is getting this group ready to play. And then, in all honesty, the realism that he’s probably not going to join us for the rest of the year ... certainty will come once he continues to be looked at by specialists."

Simmons has had his worst statistical season after missing the entire 2021-22 season due to mental health issues and a back injury. 

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons before a game against the New York Knicks Feb.13, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Jessie Alcheh)

In his first full season with the Nets, Simmons averaged career lows in minutes (26.3), points (6.9), assists (6.1) and rebounds (6.3). 

Vaughn told reporters Tuesday the organization believes Simmons can return to