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Everyone in Philadelphia is over Ben Simmons, right? The diva point guard is Brooklyn’s problem, one of the many convoluted messes playing out on the New Jersey Turnpike. The networks are a ticking time bomb with no clock.
Or maybe that bomb is already being planted. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith reported that he recently spoke to Simmons and the three-time All-Star intends to play this season. The plugged-in TV personality didn’t say if Simmons would qualify for preseason games — remember, the Sixers head to Brooklyn on Oct. 3 — or wait for his regular-season debut. Either way, it will be Simmons’ first dose of competitive basketball since June 20, 2021.
“Newsflash here, I met Ben Simmons. He and I had a nice chat,” Smith said on First Take. “You understand? His personal business is his personal business. I support the brother. I had a problem with him not playing. This is the past. He’s ready to go. He swears he’s ready to go. I’m cheering for the brother.”
I met Ben Simmons and he said this.. pic.twitter.com/kLjhRu6OW4
– Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) 15. August 2022
It’s not a shocking development, but it’s an interesting one. Now everyone is breathlessly awaiting the actual timeline for Simmons’ return to court. And whether Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will join him in the starting XI.
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Net favorites in the East with Durant
Things are very broken in Brooklyn right now. Durant wants the head coach (Steve Nash) fired along with the general manager (Sean Marks) and relieves his demands on team governor Joe Tsai (via The Athletic’s Shams Charania). Yes, everything is in limbo – except that Durant remains under contract.
I know most people will believe unnamed sources more than I do, but if anyone out there is listening, I have no plans to retire any time soon. Shit is weird at this point.
– Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) 15. August 2022
Smith continued to rant, saying the Nets needed to fix it. You cannot trade Durant under any circumstances. Brooklyn would be favorites to win the Eastern Conference if Durant returned alongside Irving and Simmons. Tsai needs to draw a line in the sand.
“I have Ben Simmons, I have Kyrie Irving, I have KD [Kevin Durant] … do you know what’s in it for me? I guess I have the favorite to win the East,” said Smith. “I’m not saying Miami, Boston and Milwaukee can’t do it. But I guess I have the favorite to win in the East, so you [Durant] will not go anywhere this season. Maybe we can talk about it next season, but you’re going to field me with a full squad this year. Kevin Durant stays here.”
Stephen A said he met Ben Simmons: “He’s ready to go (to play). He swears he’s ready to go.” https://t.co/Es0H2wdunS
– Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) 15. August 2022
Durant has no plans to retire this season
Marc Stein caused a stir Monday when he quoted league sources who told him Durant was “more inclined to retire than play for the Brooklyn Nets again.” And Durant would continue to “cause a commotion behind the scenes” if his trade request were not granted. Tick, tick, boom.
Stein wrote, “In case it wasn’t clear by now, he really wants that trade to Phoenix or Miami or maybe even Boston or Philadelphia no matter what it does to his reputation if he hasn’t played a single game under the fours.” -year, $194 million contract extension signed in August 2021.”
James Harden and Kevin Durant train together at Barcelona #Sixers pic.twitter.com/ByoPACUSQb
– Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) 11. August 2022
Well, Durant clapped back loudly on Twitter to close the report.
Durant said, “I know most people will believe unnamed sources more than I do, but if anyone out there is listening, I have no plans to retire any time soon. Shit is weird at this point.”
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