Nets guard Ben Simmons and agent Rich Paul met with team leadership, including general manager Sean Marks, on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (via Twitter).
As Wojnarowski explains, the goal of the meeting was to determine how the two sides will continue to address the “physical and mental hurdles” that must be cleared to get Simmons back on the court. During the sitdown, Simmons reiterated his desire to play for the Nets, tweets Wojnarowski.
Simmons, who has dealt with mental health issues and a back injury this season, had reportedly been planning to make his Brooklyn debut in Game 4 on Monday after missing the entire season up until this point. However, the Nets announced on Sunday that he had been ruled out for that game — Simmons apparently experienced some back pain during the final stage of his ramp-up process.
According to Wojnarowski (via Twitter), the Nets believe Simmons has made progress in his efforts to get mentally and physically ready to play, but they recognize there’s still some work to do.
Addressing Simmons’ status on Monday, Nets head coach Steve Nash suggested it wasn’t the team that was leaking those reports about the three-time All-Star gearing up to play in Game 4.
“I mean, I wasn’t really expecting him to play (on Monday),” Nash said, per Brian Lewis of The New York Post. “Like we’ve said all along, he’s trying to improve, he’s working through it. Reports that he was playing were from the outside, I don’t know where that came from. So we kind of stick to what we’ve always said; he’s still building himself up, still working through things, still trying to get strong enough and put himself in a position to play.”
Nash didn’t rule out the possibility that Simmons could play later in the series if the Nets win on Monday, though a Game 5 return in Boston seems unlikely.
For what it’s worth, Simmons isn’t scheduled to undergo another MRI on his back, according to Lewis, who says that both Nash and a source close to the 25-year-old have said he shouldn’t require surgery in the offseason to address the injury.
“I mean, I wasn’t really expecting him to play Monday.”
Gotta love Nash’s candor through all of this nonsense
don’t believe a word Simmons says
Or Rich Paul, that guy is a scumbag
@Steven
Other than doing his job to negotiate the best deals, please explain what makes Rich a “scumbag”?
The moral implications? No one is putting a gun to his head to have Ben Simmons as his client. He obviously has no qualms with doing Simmons’s dirty work.
Sure, he can try to use the “it’s my job” defense. But I’m gonna call BS on that regardless.
@Shea
The Simmons situation happened after he was already under contract. He can’t force Simmons to play. I can’t get into details but I know for a fact that he WASN’T an advocate of LBJ leaving Cleveland the first time but it happened and was probably the best thing for LBJ to become the player her became AND then coming back to make things right. He was completely unable to attract other stars to Cleveland and the organization failed in their attempts too. It took winning 2 with Miami in 4 straight finals appearances to earn respect of other players.
Send him to Siberia
Ben Simmons represents all these young spoiled kids who feel entitled for everything. Me me me me. That thinking has helped ruin this county
This headcase has no business taking up a roster spot
Is it really him being a head case or you being judge mental of Simmons? Simmons is dealing with mental health issues and that stuff isn’t something you over look. Many stars from actors to musicians to sports stars, have fallen victim to death because of mental illnesses. These famous stars are humans too. Their fame is recognized every where they go. It really has to be mentally taxing for any famous individual. Hollywood couples struggle with relationships and little of it is because of their fame and continuously being violated privately. Their privacy is nearly nonexistent individually and/ or jointly.
Don’t be jealous because his talent on the court is 100x more than yours. Mental health issues is common these days. I wouldn’t expect people to comprehend that unless they experience it themselves with themselves and/or a loved one.
“Simmons is dealing with mental health issues”
Only if you believe him.
Mental health issues have become all the rage because we live in a society that celebrates victim hood, ben simmons may be dealing with mental health issues but seems weird he was no advocate of mental health up until he was facing off with Philly about his contract money, everyone is goin through something, most can persevere and and persevere through horrendous situations to become great at their craft, we shouldn’t overlook mental health issues but at this point I think we need to be cognizant of the fact that simply saying “mental health” has become a weapon for anyone
This was really well said.
I also think we shouldn’t dictate mental health issues. Regardless of the odd circumstances of Simmons mental health crisis, it should be taken to the extreme. We shouldn’t judge ones character or illnesses. In todays society, it’s all but known to do. It makes it hard for the ones with mental health issues to seek help for fear of judgement.
I can’t believe that there is going to be yet another leg of this saga. Is he going to try to force his way out of Brooklyn?
well, he did buy a mansion in LA last off-season and announced he wanted to be traded from Philly to an LA team…. so yeah, he is is
Funny thing is people think Nash should be fired over the Nets S. Hit Show
Right. Ownership/the Front Office catered to Kyrie and Simmons and Nash had to deal with all of that drama and still field a competitive team. Nash has been fine, imo, especially on the PR end given all of this nonsense.
This thing is basically a Monty Python sketch at this point.
Simmons has seen exactly as much game time as a dead parrot this season…
Is that the Norwegian Blue?
Beautiful plumage the Norwegian Blue.
Graham Chapman has scored as many point as Simmons this year.
If the Nets had Joe Harris available this season the series would be 2-1 Nets right now. He opens up shots for Kyrie and KD because you can’t leave him wide open or else its an auto-bucket. Not to mention that hes probably their best defender over their other 3 point guys like Curry, Thomas, and Mills
Oh look, it’s the “we would have won except for injuries” guy.
Joe Harris a difference maker. That’s rich.
He’s basically Michael Jordan, man.
…assuming Harris shoots better than last postseason
If the Nets didn’t have Kyrie, people would empathize with this point more. Don’t worry, just like Kyrie you can blame “lack of continuity” all you want but everyone sees straight through the excuses for whose fault it is (Kyrie).
We’re gonna miss his sideline drip
@Heat
he is a snazzy dresser who keeps those guys with the mops busy… you know.. because his fits are drippy?
Is there a bigger joke in the history of pro sports than Ben Simmons?
How about something along the lines of:
Nets receive Gobert, Conley, and a 2nd round pick
Jazz get Irving, Harris, and Claxton
Why would any team saddle themselves with Kyrie Irving? He’s a talented player but all that other stuff… no thank you
No, Utah doesn’t need a another talented but shot happy guard that doesn’t play defense.
If the Jazz GM accepts that trade, he should be fired on the spot.
@Peter
Kyrie can opt out this year. No one is giving up good players for 1 year of Kyrie and right now I don’t think teams would be lining up to give him the max deal he’d want. In Kyrie’s world he didn’t do anything wrong therefore has nothing to atone for or accept conditional or heavily incentive laden offers.
Doc and Embiid really screwed this kid’s head up man
Yeah, it’s all Doc’s fault that he’s a headcase. And Embiid should embrace playing with this kind of teammates. Yeah. Ok
That is ridiculous.
If anything, I think it was the coddling Brown did while he was the coach here. But I think his issues stem from far before all of this nonsense.
@Pedro
Simmons is mentally week if those comments caused him to sit out three entire season while getting paid.
Forcing his way to the lakers little by little.
Rich Paul knows what he’s doing. Simmons got paid, rich Paul got his cut. Maxey also a rich Paul client was able to show case his talents this season with Simmons sidelined. Maxey will get paid now. Rich Paul also told Maxey not to get close the community.
Next Simmons value is almost 0 after this trade. LA is close to Australia if he wants to go home and visit.
What is Simmons worth at this point ?
Steve Nash the don mattingly of the nba
Agreed.
An LA flight to Australia is only 14 hours, depending on traffic.
Can’t see Simmons with the Lakers unless it gets bad enough that the Nets finally swap him for Westbrook somehow. Just what Durant wants, huh?
Like someone mentioned above… Sh!t Show
Lakers got enough problems….kkkk….please no……
@Joemoes
What nonsense. Why would LBJ want to stake his name again on another flawed and can’t shoot, let alone make, a jump shot? There’s ZERO chance Simmons will play for the Lakers.
And why would Rich advise Maxey that and how would you know?
KFCF- Simmons is different than Westbrook though..he won’t shoot at all whereas RW continues to think he’s a sharpshooter. Granted the threat of actually taking an occasional shot would benefit any team, but with LBJ & AD I think LA could manage at the offensive end.
Exactly he can be defense first
Simmons vs. Westbrook, definitely helps the defensive end but this does nothing offensively. I personally doubt this changes things much (I’d rather Brogden/Hield over Simmons).
@Many
How many jump shots did Ben attempt this year? None. That’s the point. If he felt the glare of the Philly media was bad do you REALLY think LBJ wants to vouch for a guy too scared to even lace them up let alone compete? If you think LBJ wants to stick his name and what little credibility he has left in LA for another Rich Paul climate who’s owed another $150 mil then your crazy. LBJ needs a player that can a) improve the offense via shooting and spreading the floor. b) who can be physically available on the floor. c) has the mental stamina to battle in the trenches for a title AND handle the nuances of playing for a demanding fanbase already looking for blood. LBJ has no incentive to even think about that. No financial incentive (contact is already done) and he will NOT be a complimentary piece to help them win a championship UNLESS it’s move #1 of many to come that satisfies the shooting situation. IF 100% committed to play, yes, Simmons improves their defense and can be of SOME help offensively by taking the ball handling load off of LBJ but he actually clogs things up more than Westbrook.
Google rich Paul wants Maxey out of Philly.
@Joe
Both Paul and Maxey denied the rumors. I’m an agent in music industry I can GUARANTEE YOU that if Maxey wants to play in Philly then he will stay in Philly ESPECIALLY because Philly can offer more money than ANY OTHER TEAM and THAT is what Paul’s job is to do. Simmons has his money. Paul will be focused on getting the best contract with whomever Maxey tells him he wants to play. Agents carry out the client’s wishes not the other way around. Maxey was Simmons teammate. He might feel as if Simmons is in the wrong. He could care less about him being another Klutch client. Maxey cares about Maxey and would and should fire Paul if he was butthurt with Philly over the Simmons situation and it costs him either money or playing where he wants to play.
Lets not forget a year ago Simmons was still good before the playoffs and he’s still young
See i think Simmons is a Laker by the end of the Summer.
Lakers/Nets/3rd team. Lakers get Simmons, Nets get whomever the 3rd team has, 3rd team gets picks and eats Westbrooks contract.
Maybe Charlotte? T. Rozier to Brooklyn? I don’t know I’m just spitballing.
But I believe Simmons will never play for the Nets, ever. Lakers want him, Lakers want out of Westbrook and if they get Simmons they will rationalize the trade and give up more picks.
Simmons wants the Lakers, Lakers are desperate enough to think Simmons is less of a problem than Westbrook.
Simmons is gearing up for game 8.
Don’t give the league any ideas. They’ll go to 8 game playoff series, with ghost runners, penalty shots and a skills challenge sudden death if it’s tied 4 games each.
Simmons is a joke
All he knows how to is to deposit a paycheck!
But credit where due… He’s REALLY good at that…
Ha!
Please El Don say somethin
Dude blocked me forever ago. Made me sad.
He blocks everyone. I wonder what the comments look like to him.
It’s probably just Sillivan’s comments and his own – with his sole (self-upvoted) thumbs up next to all his posts.
A powerful vortex of pure inanity.
“A powerful vortex of pure inanity.”
Sounds like the movie tagline for Tenet.
WTH did he do to prepare for this season???? Isnt it his job to be ready???! HOW did he hurt his back?? Was it basketball related??
He hurt his back bending over backwards with various excuses for not playing.
Damage is done. The fans hate him and now you got players and former players questioning if this guy even wants to play basketball. They’ll hate him even more when the owners tackle this issue during the new CBA. I don’t see how this guy ever gets another max contract. Such a waste of talent. This dude cares more about the benefits that basketball brings then the actual game itself.
Lmao this dude wants the $ and does not want to play it’s clear. It’s basketball man. Shoot the ball and stop being a witch. It’s literally that simple. You don’t need meetings with the team and your agent to figure this out.
This cockroach Rich Paul needs to be banned from the NBA!! He destroyed the league with the help of LeGone!
Owners need to stand up for this league and regain control otherwise it will keep on falling apart.
You got overrated spoiled soft entitled players making millions while riding the bench and showing off their fashion outfits! If Any of us refuse to do our job, we will get terminated but these clowns can’t play no more!! They sitting out during preseason, regular season, playoff!! When this madness is going to end???
Guaranteed contracts have to go! You only get paid if you play and you get a percentage of your check not the entire thing of you are hurt and unable to produce period!!!
Nets need to grow some and assign his ass to the G-league til he decide to fulfill his obligation and quit being a s***y!
The NBA will be more way entertaining if they get rid of guaranteed contracts! If they don’t, they’ll leave the door open for abuses which will affect the league in a very negative way!
Players are running riot in this league and it’s laughable! No work no money simple and plain!
NBA players are soft! This is consequence of Adam Silver’s failure. He promoted divisive politics and propaganda! Allowed players to control the league and form super teams without objection! His goofy ass has to go!
Also the league has to cut ties with China! They looking the other way while a genocide is being committed but yet they claim to fight for civil rights what a joke!
Such an ignorant statement. You fight the battles you can win. What stance are Brady, Trout, Cole, Rodgers e.t.c taking up? Oh… it’s the black guys job because they dare take a stand on the George Floyd’s of today? Curious…. what’s decisive about unarmed African Americans not wanting to be choked out or shot at by racist, or poorly trained or over aggressive cops? Substitute Asians for AA. Substitute Jews for AA. We should all be against bad cops period. I support good cops doing their jobs in a dangerous world. I’m not defending obvious violent criminals. You don’t want politics and sports to mix? ok. that’s a personal problem. But don’t turn athletes who speak up about racism into bad guys or say “shut up and dribble” because if they couldn’t dribble for a large check then no one would care what they had to say anyway. Clearly I can tell where your heart lies when you use words like “decisive politics and propaganda” as if this was fake news that wasn’t literally caught on camera.
And let’s make this clear buddy. No nba owner is signing or trading for ANYONE if they didn’t feel that the move was in the best interest of the team OR had enough faith in the player or GM advocating for it. Owners have traded away or released star players if they felt it was in their best interest. The tail doesn’t wag the dog dude. Stop acting like LBJ is forcing owners to make these moves. he’s an employee. And btw he’s delivered at least 1 chip to every team he advocated bringing in a player. These owners have made tens and hundreds of millions off the chips LBJ brought to the team be it thru sales, merchandising or increased valuation of the team brand.