When the Brooklyn Nets tipped off against the Phoenix Suns at Barclays Center on January 22, 2025, they did so without two of their most pivotal players: Cameron Johnson and Ben Simmons. Both were officially ruled out due to lingering injuries, deepening a roster crisis that has left the team reeling at 14-30 — the worst record in the Eastern Conference’s top half. The absence wasn’t just a blow to strategy; it was a symbol of a season unraveling. Fans packed the arena anyway — 17,926 showed up, exceeding official capacity — not for wins, but for hope. And maybe, just maybe, a glimpse of what could be.
Two Stars, Two Different Battles
Cameron Johnson, the 28-year-old forward, returned from a five-game absence on January 14 with a 24-point explosion against the Portland Trail Blazers. It felt like a turning point. But just eight days later, he was sidelined again — this time with a re-aggravated right ankle sprain. He’d been playing through discomfort since the injury occurred between January 6 and 10. The Nets hoped his return would stabilize their perimeter scoring, but now they’re back to scrambling. Ben Simmons’s situation is more haunting. The Australian guard, once a generational defensive prospect and playmaker, has been trapped in a cycle of back pain since his 2023 spinal surgery. He missed the January 15 game against the Los Angeles Clippers despite playing the night before. On January 18, the team announced he’d sit out against Cleveland for "lower back injury management." Then, in an interview published January 24, he dropped a bombshell: "I almost retired over summer." The raw honesty stunned fans. This isn’t just a physical setback — it’s a psychological one. He’s not just hurt; he’s exhausted.The Roster Is a Ghost Town
The injury report for the Suns game listed seven more players out: Bojan Bogdanovic, Maxwell Lewis, De'Anthony Melton, D'Angelo Russell, Cam Thomas, Trendon Watford, and Ziaire Williams. Only Bradley Beal was questionable. The Nets were down to a skeleton crew — likely relying on G-League call-ups and fringe rotation guys. Meanwhile, the Suns, though also missing Jalen Bridges, Jusuf Nurkic, and TyTy Washington Jr., still had Kevin Durant, who dropped 23 points in their last game. The contrast was brutal.Why Fans Still Show Up
Here’s the odd part: they kept coming. The game against the New York Knicks on January 21 drew 17,926 — nearly 200 over capacity. The crowd was loud, electric, even in defeat. Why? Because in Brooklyn, basketball isn’t just about wins. It’s about legacy. The Nets once had Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden. Now? They’re rebuilding in real time, with no clear blueprint. Fans aren’t here for the standings. They’re here because they believe in the team’s identity — and because they know this pain might be the price of something better.
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
The Nets are 35 games behind the Boston Celtics, who sit at 61-21 as of January 14. With no realistic shot at the playoffs, the focus has shifted to development, draft positioning, and survival. Johnson’s ankle? He’s expected to miss at least the next two games. Simmons? His timeline is a mystery. The organization has stopped giving dates. That’s telling. Meanwhile, the front office is quietly evaluating trade options for veterans like Beal and Bogdanovic — not to win now, but to clear cap space for 2026.What’s Next?
The Suns, after their trip to Brooklyn, return home to host the Washington Wizards on January 25. The Nets, meanwhile, face the Orlando Magic on January 24 — and likely won’t have Johnson or Simmons. Their next home game, against the Atlanta Hawks on January 27, could be a turning point: will they finally get a healthy player back? Or will the injury carousel keep spinning? One thing’s certain: if the Nets don’t get healthy soon, the draft lottery odds will only get better — and the frustration will only grow.
Background: The Rise and Fall of Brooklyn’s Super Team
The Nets’ current collapse feels surreal when you remember their 2021 run. Back then, they were the league’s most feared offensive machine — Durant, Irving, Harden, Johnson, Simmons all healthy. They reached the second round. But injuries, chemistry issues, and front-office missteps unraveled everything. Durant left for Phoenix in 2023. Harden was traded. Irving’s off-court drama led to his departure. Now, the team is a cautionary tale of how quickly a superteam can vanish — especially when health is the one thing you can’t buy.Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cameron Johnson’s injury affect the Nets’ offensive strategy?
Johnson was Brooklyn’s most consistent three-point threat, shooting 41% from deep this season. Without him, the Nets lose spacing, forcing other players like Bradley Beal and D’Angelo Russell into tougher shots. His absence has contributed to a 7.2-point drop in offensive efficiency since he last played.
Why is Ben Simmons still playing despite his back issues?
The Nets have been cautious, allowing Simmons to play through discomfort in hopes he’d regain his rhythm. But his mobility is severely limited — he’s averaging just 1.2 assists per game in his last five appearances, down from 7.1 last season. The team now admits his condition requires long-term management, not just rest.
What’s the likelihood the Nets make the playoffs this season?
Slim to none. Even if they won every remaining game (they have 38 left), they’d need to finish 52-30 — a 38-win improvement. The closest team ahead, the Chicago Bulls, are 10 games better. The Nets are now clearly in rebuild mode, targeting top-five draft picks in 2025.
How has fan support changed despite the losing record?
Attendance has remained near-capacity — 99% of games sold out — because Brooklyn fans value effort over outcomes. The energy at Barclays Center is still electric, especially during close games. Many believe this painful season is the necessary cost of rebuilding a sustainable contender, not just another quick fix.
What’s the impact of these injuries on the Nets’ draft position?
With a 14-30 record, the Nets have a 14% chance at the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft — the third-highest odds in the league. A loss to the Suns would improve those odds. The front office is reportedly prioritizing a high-potential big man or a versatile guard who can play alongside whoever emerges from the current core.
Could Ben Simmons ever return to his former All-Star level?
It’s uncertain. His athleticism and court vision were elite, but back injuries have derailed many players’ careers — think Andrew Wiggins or DeMarcus Cousins. Simmons’ ability to move laterally, jump, and change direction is critical. Without full recovery, he may become a role player at best. The Nets are preparing for that reality.
Hello, my name is Theodore Kingswell and I am an expert in the field of education. With a background in teaching and educational research, I have dedicated my life to improving the quality of education for students of all ages. I am passionate about sharing my insights and experiences through my writing, as well as collaborating with others to create innovative solutions for the challenges facing education today. In my free time, I enjoy cycling, reading educational journals, and nature photography, alongside attending conferences and workshops to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the world of education.