The Ben Simmons saga Brooklyn Nets may finally soon be coming to an end. Although it remains to be seen if Simmons will be as good as he once was when he makes his return to the court, the health questions surrounding him and his back injury are starting to be answered.

The speculation around Simmons not opting to return was that it was a sign of him giving up. Nets general manager Sean Marks explained that there was much more to the story. He explained that the herniation in Simmons' back got worse ahead of Game 4 in the first round against the Boston Celtics, when Simmons' return was penciled in.

Simmons underwent back surgery last week. Marks also said that the mental health aspect of Simmons returning to the court for the Nets will be a priority now that his back situation is handled.

Getting him accustomed to the gym again, Marks said, is the next step as the Nets look to get their star player ready to go for next season. Brooklyn will need his services on the court very badly following an embarrassing loss to the Celtics in the playoffs.

The situation around Simmons has been confusing and disappointing for Nets fans, who have yet to see their new star in action. His rehab process shouldn't cut into next season but the absence from this season will leave Simmons with a whole lot to prove in the 2022-23 campaign.