Don’t expect to see Ben Simmons at the FIBA World Cup, tweets ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Simmons’ agent, Rich Paul, tells Woj that Simmons is “doubtful” to suit up for Australia, preferring to spend the summer concentrating on the upcoming NBA season.
Simmons, who was born in Melbourne, also pulled out of the 2016 Olympics so he could prepare for his rookie year. He began representing his home nation in international tournaments in 2012 when he was 15, but was cut from Australia’s World Cup team two years later. One of the NBA’s top young stars, Simmons is currently mulling over a five-year, $170MM extension offer from the Sixers.
There’s more today out of Philadelphia:
- Even though Jimmy Butler‘s stay with the Sixers was short, GM Elton Brand doesn’t regret the trade that brought him from Minnesota, relays Tim Bontemps of ESPN. Philly sent Robert Covington, Dario Saric, Jerryd Bayless and a second-round pick in 2022 to get Butler for what turned out to be 55 games. “When we went into it last year, it was hopefully Jimmy found a great fit and hopefully we did also,” Brand said. “I’d make that trade again. He gave us a great playoff run last year.”
- After re-signing for $180MM over the next five years, Tobias Harris has become much more important to the Sixers’ future, Bontemps observes in the same story. Harris often found himself as the fourth or fifth option on offense after being acquired from the Clippers in a mid-season trade, but with Butler and J.J. Redick both gone, the team will rely on Harris to provide more scoring. “I can come into next year with that kind of energy, that kind of fire to improve my game and show different parts of my game, too,” Harris said. “Obviously I’ll have the ball in my hands in more different situations and I’m ready for that. I’ve been working out all summer to get ready for that.”
- Former Celtic Al Horford didn’t expect the Sixers to be among his suitors in free agency, writes Darren Hartwell of NBC Sports Boston. He said negotiations with Philadelphia “escalated very, very quickly” once teams were officially allowed to talk to players. “When Elton called and spoke with my agent, he laid down this offer,” Horford recalled. “I was very surprised there was that strong interest for me being here. It made the decision very easy. I’m just excited to be a part of this.”
6ers should trade brick Simmons for CP3. Not sure presti would take him but CP3 could make 6ers better.
That would be a win-win for both teams !!!
Imagine Chris Paul on that Sixers team. They really are built to win now already, and Paul would put them over the top. I think it’s an amazing idea. Might have to throw in a guy or two for salary stuff.
So trade Simmons for an aging, injury prone, guard on a massive contract when you just locked Simmons up for 5 more years… ya that makes sense
You want to win now or not?
Stop
Well this is a tremendous idea, but the problem is : How do you work it with the Budget jammed up? The Sixers are maxed out
There has to be a way you can match up salaries. I think it would make the Sixers immediate contenders for a championship.
They’re already contenders for a championship.
As much as Ben Simmons can’t shoot, that trade is not very good for PHI. In the playoffs they can just put Simmons on the block and and have Harris or Richardson space the floor.
Not sure if this has been suggested but I think a CP3 for Dragic, Waiters, Olynyk and protection removal of 2023 1st could work for both OKC and MIA. Especially if they do a separate trade of Diallo and/or Nader for cash considerations and a protected 31-55 2nd right before.
Sixers need to send out many more players to match salaries if Simmons is traded on his current deal. If Simmons accpets the max extension then I think he can’t be traded for a year.
That is the most ridiculous idea I have ever heard, swapping Simmons for CP3… YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS?
Put down the megaphone, stop screaming, and give a reason or two why.
I think Chris Paul would really pull everything together for the Sixers with the team they have now.
He’s still a great point guard brings intensity and defense can shoot very well and has a winning attitude. Losing Simmons would be big but I think they could absorb it.
Do you realize the unique playstyle Ben Simmons offers? Do you understand he’s 6’10 PG who will develop a three, or at least a midrange. Trading for CP3, who by the way has arguably the worst contract in the game, for a healthy 6’10 PG, who’s only downfall is not being able to shoot a 3. Yes, CP3 can spread the floor but Ben Simmons can make the 6ixers faster in pace and transition. He guards 1-5 positions and doesn’t always need the ball in his hand to be effective. When you have that ability as a point guard, it’s hard running screens (which teams were cause we had JJ atm). That’s why Ben Simmons is valueable to the 6ixers. Yes they need to penetrate more but hes YOUNG, give him time to grow.
Who WILL DEVELOP a midrange or three!!! Your words. Kids sucks at shooting l. CP3 can do everything will Simmons still has a lot to learn, and cp3 can play defense, Simmons sucks at that too….
Simmons is constantly praised for his defense. What are you talking about?!
Big Ben is a better player NOW than CP3. Y’all need to fire up your xboxes and have fun, because this is some goody stuff your flinging here.
In many ways Ben Simmons is the exceptional player. I think everyone would agree with that.
What we’re talking about here is winning a championship THIS season. The Sixers are one guy away and Chris Paul would fill that void perfectly. They could be good or great for the next 5 years with Simmons- but we all know that sometimes projections can be wrong (warriors sign Durant, will win the next five championships LOL)
Or.., Philadelphia could win it all this season. It’s worth the risk and gamble in my opinion.
But it’s all moot point ain’t going to happen.
I just see this coming year as a unique opportunity to win the whole thing now.
One reason: he’s a terrible teammate
How has that ever translated into a “winning attitude”?
If you know anything about hoops you would stop rushing the process who comes into the NBA with all the tools CP3 can’t guard anymore even with the lack of a jumper how many players have better stats he still was a all star with that deficiency a 23 year old star for a falling 34 year old has been glad you not running the team.
Nope, sixers winning a chip all depends upon Ben progressing, wats this year 3 of playing a full season? how long did it take for giannis to turn into giannis? only embid and ben take us to a championship level, everybody else is complimentary. Tobias is better wo Butler being there so he can now create shots for himself as well as hit the open J. Horford does all the vet “big” man things embid does not know and hopefully embid recognizes and learns from horford. Jrich is jimmy butler wo the bullshit attitude. I think he has some dog in him and will get to display that on this team. Be nice to get Korver back but i’m not overly concerned about not having a “knockdown” shooter. This team will beat teams with their length
A “chip” is something you throw down on the poker table cuz you got a stack of them in front of you.
A chip is something you dip in salsa because there’s 436 in the bag.
A championship is something that takes years and effort and work to attain.
It’s hardly a “chip.” It might be a ring but it’s not a chip
Its also something the 6ers can only dream of. Simmons won’t be much better. With the east empty I think Paul would be an amazing piece to make a run. In 2 years Paul may be awful but a “chip” this year would be worth the cost
Sixers would definitely be “Championship” material if they think about and then pull off this trade.
I want my chips wit da dip
S-yit, look at dis foo.
It’s slang. Almost everyone speaks using some form of slang, and this is a pretty common example in sports. Get over yourself.
Respect the trophy. Don’t downplay the work involved. I’ve got chips in my pocket you can have for free. They’re not something you work all year to achieve day in and day out in the gym on the practice floor Etc. Just my opinion and I’m entitled to it.
Why do you have chips in your pocket? That’s unsanitary.
Gary… buddy… I bet you’re a blast at parties.
Actually I am. Plenty of War Stories.
Stories about Unnecessarily Capitalized Letters? Don’t judge other people’s usage of slang if you can’t operate properly within the very basic parameters of language.
Caps happen automatically with voice to text. Sorry.
The slang term “chip” presumably for “‘ship”, short for championship, seems to be hanging in there, despite the hint of commonness in the traditional meaning of ‘chip’.
Maybe its more recent use after cool words like ‘computer’ or ‘silicon’ changed the word’s destiny. If a computer geek says about your phone, “it’s got a chip in there for that”, you can feel pride in your purchase.
Also, in gambling, ‘chip’ literally means money which is always cool, and much money is spent on potato chips despite their uselessness.
On a different level… If the Clippers win, it should be “chip”, because “the Clipper ‘ship” means something else nautically.
Also “the Clip chip” sounds cool while “Clip ‘ship” somehow lends itself to a “t” sound slipping in there at the end.
Okay if you say so, I’ll try to let it go. Going to be tough.
I don’t have many pet peeves but this is turning into a big one. Not sure why.
I’ll try to make it the end of it. We’ll see.
I think it might be a combination of things. One that my Warriors didn’t repeat. Pretty tough to see the injuries and see a great team like Toronto win.
Then also how much effort Kawhi Leonard put into winning this year. Played hurt did so much work, I just think it’s a tremendous accomplishment for him and the Raptors and Toronto as a whole.
I just like calling it a championship. Chip just sounds like it’s nothing and worthless.
Okay I’m over it. Call me names slap me around a little more..but I’m calling it a day with it.
Its popularity may pass, so there’s that.
if the word “chip” is so offensive to u move on to the next post dude, im not hear for ur “douchery”…
Nothing douchery about work and effort and team commitment and working towards a prize.
Respect the process of a championship. Why remove the word “champion” from championship?
I just think “chip” belittles the tremendous accomplishment. If you’re offended by a little challenge to your slang then come back was something substantial instead of a douchey comment.
Why when you run out of substance you go to derogatory name-calling ?
People love picking the most random hill to die on you just gotta let the man speak his mind and not give him the attention he’s asking for
My trip only lasted a few hours. It was pretty pain free. It’s over now.
@ Orioles fan, yea they are going to be strapped but Jrich is on a team friendly contract, Big Al is off the books in 3 years so the current run with this team makeup is only for a 3yr window. Ben and Jojo will always be the core and now Tobias depending on how he performs this year, zhaire will also be key to give the squad what fultz couldn’t, still scratching my head over that one! zhaire is a hard worker so I’m hoping in his case practice makes perfect, he’s a more atheletic avery bradley right now.
Would have liked to see him use FIBA as in game jumper training. Guess we wont see a jumper next yr bc he has no in game confidence.
People are sleeping on what amounts to that $12million grown-man’s wager btween Horford and Brand on winning an NBA title. I don’t recall such a thing before. I think I was right that it was Brand’s idea.
Horford’s 4th year is guaranteed for 14.5. It’s fully guaranteed at 26.5 if Philly wins a title before then.
Well folks thought Brand would be an interesting GM!
good feedback, end of day we have all seen rosters that look good on paper! the game still has to be won on the hardwood and if ben still same ben from last year and jojo still out of shape and not maturing then its no hope for a “chip”, brown would need to ne removed for someone they respect and listen to. Ben has to realize that the difference between him being good and great is his willingness to take and make a jumpshot! i got confidence in Brand. Sixers lucked up with hiring Brand surprised management didn’t mess that one up! people who played basketball are best suited to judge and garner respect from other basketball players.
Imagine if Brand was brought in before Colangelo. I mean Colangelo tried Soooo hard to throw away assets from the process. Botching development. Hinkie would have gotten more than garbage for Noel and Jah, and I think Brand could have done the same. MCW off his rookie year netted Bridges, which in turn netted Zhaire and the Miami Pick which assisted in getting Tobias. I mean Coleangelos best move was Ersan and Marco.
i agree silver screwed us bad, my question is why didnt he step in on the knicks situation? because he knew he could get away with this BS with the sixers ownership
Sixers off season is a success on paper. They finished last year as the East’s most talented team. Despite losing Butler, I think they’ve added talent on a net basis, while the rest of the top teams in the East lost talent on a net basis. They’re also sitting on a potential impact player who was hurt most of last year.
On the flip side, I think they had on court chemistry issues last year, and I think their offseason moves have aggravated those. I don’t think their top 5 players fit together as a starting group, and I’m not sure the bench they’re assembling addresses that possibility. Nothing a trade or two can’t resolve. But Brand’s work may not be done. If they’re not the East’s best team, it won’t have been a good off season.
That team spent half a season together tho.
I think they will be fine Elton knows basketball and basketball players. If you played basketball and were a good player, skills recognize skill! Elton being a former all star knows all about team chemistry and guys who can play versus guys who can’t. I believe that’s why he ultimately gave up on fultz. Colangelo fell for fultz off hoopla and got swindled by Ainge who also was a former player and recognized fultz was trash after he spent time with him.