Ben Simmons has suffered nerve impingement in his lower back, to be re-evaluated in a couple weeks

The 76ers have finally released some information on their star, Ben Simmons. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Ben has suffered nerve impingement in his lower back. He will be re-evaluated in approximately two weeks, after meeting with several specialists.

It’s difficult to speculate at this point with so little information. The spine is a crucial part of the body with numerous vertebra that can herniate or bulge, for example, and put pressure on the nerves and softer material that cushions them. I once herniated a disk in my cervical spine (neck area) and after an MRI was told that this is something that happens to almost everybody if they live long enough; the natural pitfalls of being an upright species defying gravity with our normal posture. But of course a high-impact sport like roundball can expedite that process.

For those seeking a silver lining, he is not undergoing immediate surgery; that leaves at least the possibility for him to return at any point this season. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski adds that this two week mark is more of a bench mark for a check in. Not a return-to-play schedule. So we won’t expect him back anytime soon.

Sixers fans can hope for a recovery, while preparing for the very sad reality that they won’t get to watch one of the most fun players in the league suit up in the short-term. I hope Ben is maintaining his spirits. It’s especially disheartening because he was beginning to run away with the Defensive Player of the Year award and playing the best ball of his young career.