As we relayed on Thursday, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said during a TV appearance that Ben Simmons is aiming to return between Games 4 and 6 of the Nets‘ first-round series vs. the Celtics — Shams Charania of The Athletic later echoed that report (via Twitter).
However, despite the apparent optimism about Simmons’ playoff availability, Nets forward Kevin Durant isn’t counting on the three-time All-Star to play in the Boston series, telling reporters on Thursday that he doesn’t want to put any extra expectations on his new teammate.
“No, I’m not expecting him to play,” Durant said, per Zach Braziller of The New York Post. “That’s easier for me. I’m not putting any pressure on Ben to come out and hoop. I’m not expecting him to do anything except get his body right and get healthy as fast as he can. I’m preparing as if we’re playing with the team we have.”
Here’s more on the Nets:
- Although the Nets’ 44-38 record this season fell fall short of their preseason projections, head coach Steve Nash shouldn’t shoulder the blame for the fact that the team ended up outside of the East’s top six, according to Durant. “I think he’s done a great job. The last two years, he’s been dealt a wild hand,” Durant said of Nash, per Ian Begley of SNY.tv. “Injuries, trades, disgruntled players, guys in and out of the lineup, stuff that he can’t control. … This is his first real opportunity as a coach, so I think he’s handled it all perfectly to be honest with you.”
- Since arriving in Brooklyn in 2019, Kyrie Irving has appeared in just 103 of 226 total regular season games due to injuries, sabbaticals, and his vaccine-related ineligibility. Ahead of Irving’s potential free agency, the 2022 playoffs will go a long way toward determining whether the mercurial guard has been worth the trouble for the Nets, argues Ian O’Connor of The New York Post.
- Speaking to Zion Olojede of Complex.com, former Net guard James Harden said there were “a lot of ups and downs” during his time in Brooklyn leading up his trade to Philadelphia. “I think my happiness is the most important thing, so I had to make the best decision for myself and for my family,” Harden said.
- In an interesting report for ESPN.com, Mark Fainaru-Wada and Steve Fainaru take a deep dive into Joe Tsai‘s business ties to – and occasional defenses of – the Chinese government and explore how the Nets owner has become the face of the NBA’s uneasy relationship with China.
I think my happiness is the most important thing so I had to make the best decision for myself and for my family
Haters going to hate, but this is the correct answer.
Why would anyone hate that answer..? Seems pretty straight up and legit to me.
My bad, everyone loves James Harden. You’re right
When I read the family part I was like wait hes married with kids? So I google James Harden Kids and this is the first thing i got lol:
“At present, James has not made any official statement on the existence of his son.”
To be picky, goals and obligations got left out, as did life and liberty lol. It’s not so much a correct answer as a blow-off answer… an answer to end an undesired convo or subject… which is certainly his right, as the topic is about his past and more or less irrevocable.
@x% I tend to agree. I just didn’t like lil d’s comment and don’t like that person in general.
@lil D yes he’s not a popular public figure so we should obviously just hate everything he says right