Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons is starting to feel better, as he recovers from another back injury. Simmons isn't putting a timetable on a return, but hopes it comes shortly after the calendar changes to 2024. That hope is driven in part by how frustrated the former All-Star is to be sidelined again.

"It's probably one of the most frustrating points in my career just because I wanna be out there to help my team win and compete," Simmons said. "But at the end of the day, it's one of those things that's a part of sports. Not every game's promised. Injuries happen. Unfortunately, it happens. So, for me, it's just focusing on what I can do now and doing what I can to get back on the floor and contribute."

Simmons has missed 21 games in a row since injury his back against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 6. Overall, the versatile Net has played in just six games this season, after appearing in only 42 games over the prior two seasons.