Although Ben Simmons has reported to the Sixers and head coach Doc Rivers has said he assumes the three-time All-Star plans to suit up and play for the team, we still don’t know when that will happen or what version of Simmons the club will get, writes Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice.com.
One source who spoke to Neubeck described Simmons as “going through the motions” during his individual workouts this week, though that source said things have improved each day since the 25-year-old’s return. The expectation is that Simmons will clear the health and safety protocols soon, but he’s considered “doubtful” to play in Friday’s preseason finale.
Within Neubeck’s report, he notes that the Sixers have shown little interest in a Pacers trade package that includes Malcolm Brogdon and/or Caris LeVert. The 76ers have been focused on acquiring a star, since trading Simmons for multiple “good” players isn’t something they believe will improve their title odds or increase their chances of acquiring another impact player down the road, Neubeck explains.
Here’s more from around the Eastern Conference:
- Wizards forward Rui Hachimura remains in the health and safety protocols after recently reporting to the team, and he may miss some time at the beginning of the regular season as he gets back up to speed and adjusts to a new playbook and coaching staff, writes Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. “I don’t think (him catching up) is way down the line,” head coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. “We already have some edits that we’ll send to him. Obviously, when he’s ready we’ll spend some time away from the court to try to help him get back up to speed. That in itself is going to take some time.”
- Nets forward Kevin Durant admitted to reporters on Thursday that Kyrie Irving‘s absence is not an “ideal” situation and said he’d rather be playing alongside his friend this season. However, Durant added that he’s confident “things will work out the best for both parties” and said he’s not upset about the situation. “What is being mad going to do?” Durant said, per Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN. “We are not going to change his mind, know what I’m saying? We’ll let him figure out what he needs to do and the team figure out what they need to do.”
- Nets head coach Steve Nash plans to lean on the team’s depth to replace Kyrie Irving, rather than putting that responsibility on one player, writes Greg Joyce of The New York Post. Bruce Brown and Patty Mills are among the obvious candidates for increased roles.
- John Hollinger of The Athletic liked the Hawks‘ offseason moves and is optimistic about the club’s chances of avoiding regression in 2021/22, projecting them to win 50 games and a playoff series. Predictably, Hollinger is far less bullish on the Magic, forecasting a 21-win season and a last-place finish in the East for Orlando.
They are correct that a Star player like Dame or Beal is the best way to go. A fully healthy Nets, Bucks, Boston, and Heat squad requires that extra fire power. While Brogdon/LeVert provides more depth, it still puts all of the pressure on Embiid. Dame would take the most ownership, then Beal. You need a guy that can drop 30, 40, or 50 on any given night.
I am a Sixers fan and I would love to have those players, but what makes you think those teams would want a super max player that is not a super max star back in return. If Beal or Lillard gets traded, those teams likely would want a full rebuild and I do not think Simmons is part of that. I think brogdon and Levert is a reasonable compensation for Ben. The only way Ben’s value recovers is if he comes in with some sort of jump shot.
Sorry but if Portland has to trade Dame, they’re not going into a full rebuild. There is plenty of talent that on the roster that they would just be looking for another Top 10 talent to replace him with at the minimum. And in no universe is Ben considered a top 10 talent
If Portland trades Dame they are 100% goin full rebuild, you don’t trade away a top 10 guy to make your team better, worst logic I’ve ever heard, Toronto has a lot of talent on their rosters but the sum of the parts don’t make a great team, if Dame leaves Portland it’s goin to be for every first round pick a team will give for him, Ben Simmons is not a piece to build around at all, Philly fans need to come back to reality with how they value their own players, still acting like Ben was taken first yesterday when he 5 years deep and has never once improved his jumper, he is what he is and Brogdon/LeVert together is a crazy return for a mentally weak child who isn’t getting better
The only straight up deal that would work well for both teams, at least on the court, assuming Ben’s vaccinated, would be Ben for Kyrie. Kyrie confirmed he’s not retiring, so that clears up one issue. Trading Ben for Dame or Beal would almost definitely require the Sixers to give up future draft capital. On the court, Kyrie and Joel would be a great duo for the Sixers. For the Nets who have a lot of offensive firepower, Ben would be a force on D.
Beal is not getting trade for the sorry ass stiff AKA Ben Simmons.
I kinda sorta feel a little empathy towards KD. This isn’t what he signed up for. Having to answer about Kyrie so much must be taxing.
Agreed. Although he did get paid 40+ mill to sit out an entire year and rehab. He also had to know kyrie is a little off and still signed up to team with him.
The sixers thinking they are trading Michael Jordan in the 90s you are trading a PG who can’t shoot he can only play defense. Nobody on the sixers want him there trade him to the kings or magic Or even Brooklyn for Kyrie
And a PG that their own organization, coaching staff and fan base claims is overrated, a baby and does not work hard.
Not much of an endorsement for a trade. Morey screwed this up from the beginning and Sixers will not get a star.
The Kyrie idea deserves consideration, trading problems gets you more value. Simmons would be a good addition to Nets as they have enough shooting. Kyrie would take pressure off Embiid, win-win.
In these modern offenses that have wings but not traditional 2s like MJ, a guard has to be a 1 to be a guard, especially if they’re not comfortable not bringing the ball up. Some of these guards are worth catering to and some not.
Morey & Rivers figures they have the contract and no time to cater.
Needs to force out: Simmons, SGA. ShaiGA can’t even get what he wants on a crap OKC team where Presti wants to fiddle with PG prospects.
Stupid comment……SGA literally just signed his max rookie contract extension 2 months ago. Man I tell you that guy is disgruntled.
REALLY SEEMS LIKE HE WANTS OUT OF OKC THERE!
Yeah we’re gonna stink this year….need to tank one more year for the draft position. Expect to start improving in 2022-3 and really competing in 2023-4. Haters gon Hate but that’s ok. SGA ain’t goin anywhere. Presti has the process workin nicely.
Unless they draft another KD, Harden, or even a marginal star like Westbrook (who only cares about stats) they won’t be competing, even by 2024. Sorry, but the process isn’t working for Presti at all.
You don’t seem aware of what’s going on. Hint: if you type “stupid”, you’re probably at least ignorant, secretly aware, and searching.
Agents are now advising clients to sign extensions regardless of whether they may want out, since the force-out option has become an option getting more use— for instance Simmons. The key for a player is, get your money lined up now, get mad if you must later.
BTW OKC are widely predicted for last, one reason SGA is not happy with the team. By the time OKC is anything, this new contract will have wasted four years, and he is not necessarily durable.
Detroit was the stupid one for turning the trade down, if offered. A combo of SGA with Barnes, Mitchell or Suggs would have been a deadly backcourt, better than Cade and Killian. Maybe it wasn’t offered at all, just an icebreaker for more plausible offers.
link to hoopsrumors.com
#FreeBenSimmons
#LetKyriePlay
After Goodwin’s reaction to the vax, well what can I say, maybe Kyrie has been right all along about avoiding the vax, right?