Category: Main Rumors

Neil Olshey: Blazers will never be receptive to trading Damian Lillard

Casey Holdahl: “We will never be receptive to moving Damian Lillard.” – Neil Olshey Source: Twitter @CHold What’s the buzz on Twitter? Jay Allen @ PDXjay Billups says Lillard is “two feet in” with the Blazers. “Dame wants exactly what we all want…to …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jay Allen @PDXjay
Billups says Lillard is “two feet in” with the Blazers. “Dame wants exactly what we all want…to be successful and have a chance to win.” – 2:37 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Chauncey Billups: “Dame and I, our relationship started far before I became a head coach. I will never share anything I talked about with a player, but I will say this: Dame is either two feet in or two feet out. And he’s two feet in.” – 2:37 PM
Jason Quick @jwquick
Neil Olshey says Damian Lillard “is fired up to be here” and that the Blazers “will never be receptive of moving Dame.” – 2:35 PM
Jason Quick @jwquick
Neil Olshey says this is the deepest Trail Blazers roster since he began building around Damian Lillard in 2015. – 2:34 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Chauncey Billups calls Damian Lillard “the best point guard in the league.” – 2:30 PM
Jay Allen @PDXjay
Olshey on fielding calls from teams about Lillard: “We’re never going to be receptive to moving Dame.” – 2:10 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Neil Olshey: “Clearly, we were never going to be receptive to moving Dame. We’re never going to be receptive to moving Dame. He’s the bedrock of this organization and he’s going to be here as long as he’s happy.” – 2:10 PM
Casey Holdahl @CHold
“We will never be receptive to moving Dame.” — Neil Olshey – 2:09 PM
Jay Allen @PDXjay
Olshey on Lillard’s commitment to the @Portland Trail Blazers: “He wants to know that winning is as important to everybody as it is to him. As he grows in his career, that urgency accelerates. When Dame is in, he’s in…when he buys in, he’s all in.” #RipCity – 2:07 PM
Jay Allen @PDXjay
Olshey says he and Lillard communicate all the time: “Dame and I get along great.” #Blazers – 2:05 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Neil Olshey on Damian Lillard’s offseason: “Not to be a little glib, but he got married and won a gold medal. … Dame and I get along great.” – 2:05 PM
Sean Highkin @highkin
Neil Olshey: “This is probably the best depth we’ve had since we’ve built around Dame, in terms of guys you know.” – 2:02 PM
The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
Damian Lillard on what it will take for the Trail Blazers to have a successful season
(via @Dennis Scott of NBA TV)
#NBATwitter #NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/qppMwYzs1D – 1:09 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Ja Morant told me he’s a top 5 NBA point guard with Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook.
“The point guard position is so loaded. Some guys have to get left out,” @Ja Morant said.
More from our @Jorge Sierra chat. hoopshype.com/lists/ja-moran… – 9:07 AM
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
S/o @aespinal21 for letting me use his NFL Sunday ticket log in to watch my @raiders !! 3-0 #justwinbaby – 8:02 PM
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Who got Sunday ticket log in I can use ? Lol – 4:11 PM

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In the two months that followed their first-round playoff flop against Phoenix, when Davis’ groin injury left them pulling up lame, the Lakers explored the prospect of trading for such stars as Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal, DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook. The process unfolded well beyond the team’s front office’s search, with James setting up a war room of his own at his Brentwood estate for some in-person player meetings while leading remote communications in other conversations. -via The Athletic / September 27, 2021
The group focused first on Lillard and Beal, but with no viable path to trading for either of them, turned their attention to more realistic targets: Westbrook, DeRozan, Hield and Kyle Lowry, who would eventually pursue a deal with the Miami Heat instead. -via The Athletic / September 27, 2021
There are many who believed then and continue to insist now that Damian Lillard was about ready to ask out; a source with knowledge of the situation believes Lillard is held back by both his loyalty to Portland and an unwillingness to go back on things he’s already said about sticking things out. He ultimately decided to give this another go, and Lillard has been provided roster upgrades and had a big voice in the coaching search. He may still ask out down the road, but only time will tell how long this honeymoon lasts. -via Philly Voice / September 22, 2021

Tyrese Maxey denies report of Rich Paul wanting 76ers to trade him

Ky Carlin: Maxey laughed at the report that his representation now what’s him out of Philadelphia. He adds that he loves being here. #Sixers Source: Twitter @Ky_Carlin What’s the buzz on Twitter? Gina Mizell @ ginamizell Maxey on having a more …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Maxey on having a more “normal” training camp experience after last year’s condensed offseason and a positive COVID test: “I’ve never been so excited to practice.” – 1:29 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers 2nd-year guard Tyrese Maxey on veteran Danny Green saying Maxey can be a star: ‘I appreciate that from Danny. He’s only 54 years old and played 32 years in the #NBA.’ Then starts laughing. – 1:25 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Tyrese Maxey on what he and Ben Simmons talk about in the summer: “We both like dogs, we talk about that.”
On the report of Klutch wanting him of Philly: “Me and Rich [Paul] was laughing about it.” – 1:23 PM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Tyrese Maxey dispels the report from earlier this summer that his representation also wanted him out of Philly: “Me and Rich (Paul) were sitting there laughing at it…I love this city.” – 1:22 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Maxey laughed at the report that his representation now what’s him out of Philadelphia. He adds that he loves being here. #Sixers – 1:22 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Tyrese Maxey says of Ben Simmons “I love him like a brother,” and that he has a great relationship with him. – 1:22 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Tyrese Maxey on the report that his representation didn’t want him in Philly: “I don’t know where that came from…I love being here and I love the city. I can’t wait to get started.” – 1:22 PM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Tyrese Maxey says he loves Ben Simmons “like a brother” #Sixers – 1:21 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey on working out with Ben Simmons this summer in L.A.: ‘Me and Ben have been friends (for 2 years). I love him like a brother. It’s a great relationship.’ – 1:21 PM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Danny Green on Tyrese Maxey, likely the team’s starting point guard if Simmons doesn’t return: “He carries himself like a star. I believe one day he will be a star.” – 1:13 PM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Danny Green on Tyrese Maxey: “He carries himself like a star and I believe one day he will be a star.” – 1:13 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers wing Danny Green: ‘Tyrese is special. He carries himself like a star. I believe he will one day be a star. He’s special.’ Says it’s not unrealistic for Maxey to be the primary point guard on the 2021-22 #76ers. – 1:12 PM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Danny Green on Maxey: “He’s special, and I’m sure everybody can see that…he carries himself like a star, and I believe one day he will be a star” – 1:11 PM
Rich Hoffman @rich_hofmann
Doc Rivers on what he might do at point guard if Simmons isn’t around: “I don’t think that’s hard… The second unit is the biggest issue for me because that takes us down one point guard.”
On Tyrese Maxey? “Big role. With Ben, or without. Either one.” pic.twitter.com/iSeuEA7w2G – 12:57 PM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Doc Rivers doesn’t come out and say it, but strongly implies that Tyrese Maxey is going to be the point guard for as long as Ben Simmons isn’t here. When asked who will be taking Simmons’ place, he jokes it “shouldn’t be hard” to figure it out. – 11:23 AM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Doc Rivers, on Tyrese Maxey: “That kid works. It’s rare that you see a guy with the talent he has, and the work that he puts in. It’s rare that that doesn’t turn into success.” – 11:22 AM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Doc says without Ben Simmons on the floor in practice, the second unit and trickle-down effect of missing a key player is the biggest concern. Says Tyrese Maxey will have a big role with or without Simmons. – 11:20 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Doc Rivers on what he’ll do at point guard with Ben Simmons absent: ‘The biggest thing isn’t who starts – the second unit is the issue.’ Says second-year man Tyrese Maxey will get more minutes ‘with Ben or without.’ – 11:20 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Rivers says he has a plan at starting point guard but won’t share it: “I think you’ll figure that out.”
Says Tyrese Maxey will have a big role with or without Ben – 11:20 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Doc Rivers says it’s fair to expect Tyrese Maxey to have a “big role” with or without Ben Simmons. – 11:20 AM

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Koby Altman wants Collin Sexton with the Cavaliers long term

Marla Ridenour: #Cavs GM Koby Altman said he wants Collin Sexton here long term. Won’t negotiate in public so didn’t go too deep. Neither he nor Bickerstaff believes it will affect Sexton’s performance Source: Twitter @MRidenourABJ What’s the buzz …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Marla Ridenour @MRidenourABJ
#Cavs GM Koby Altman said he wants Collin Sexton here long term. Won’t negotiate in public so didn’t go too deep. Neither he nor Bickerstaff believes it will affect Sexton’s performance – 1:11 PM
Chris Fedor @ChrisFedor
#Cavs scheduled to talk today at Media Day: Koby Altman, J.B. Bickerstaff, Jarrett Allen, Darius Garland, Kevin Love, Lauri Markkanen, Evan Mobley, Isaac Okoro, Ricky Rubio and Collin Sexton. – 11:28 AM

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Barry Jackson: If Heat loses bidding war for Lowry & doesn’t get Dinwiddie or Ball (or Paul,Conley obviously), there is Sexton interest. But Heat likely wouldn’t have enough to appeal to Cleveland unless Love included&Heat; would then be up against tax in 22-23. Cavs said to want lot if deal him -via Twitter @flasportsbuzz / July 30, 2021
One question outside of a likely Mobley pick is what else they might have in store for themselves. Rumors of Collin Sexton trades are swirling. Exploring better-balanced books in the future is happening. And even kicking around a potential Ben Simmons trade for Cleveland has been discussed, as it has with many teams. League sources said brief conversations between Cleveland and Philadelphia were explored, but an asking price of every young player the Cavs value plus multiple first-round picks in the future wasn’t something they’d consider. For now, roll with Mobley and see where else value may exist. -via The Athletic / July 29, 2021

James Jones Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges extensions: We’ll address that when the time comes

Gerald Bourguet: James Jones on extensions for Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges: “We’ll address that when the time comes.” Said for now the focus is training camp Source: Twitter @GeraldBourguet What’s the buzz on Twitter? Gerald Bourguet @ …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Elfrid Payton said he got a call from Chris Paul in addition to hearing from James Jones and Monty Williams in free agency – 1:20 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Mikal Bridges said he had a lifting plan this summer to put a little more muscle on. Said it’s tough for him to put on muscle, but he knows he’s gotten stronger pic.twitter.com/UHEr5Ekpbo – 1:17 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“They’re diehard for their little #RedSea.”
#Suns wing Mikal Bridges, a Rams fan, talking about Arizona Cardinals.
Drew a rise out of media, but Bridges held his ground.
“Yeah, their little Red Sea.” – 1:14 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Mikal Bridges answered the vaccine question and confirmed that he is fully vaccinated – 1:12 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Mikal Bridges confirmed that he’s fully vaccinated – 1:12 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Mikal Bridges is here, with the particular glow of someone with a 3-0 football team (big Rams fan) pic.twitter.com/W9kPmQXaWY – 1:10 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“I think the group of guys we have and the coaching staff we have, we’re just taking it day by day.” – Mikal Bridges on the Suns’ approach after a deep playoff run – 1:09 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We want to be the last team standing.”
Mikal Bridges is sticking to the same script he did last year. #Suns – 1:08 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Mikal Bridges said he took some time off after the Finals and then got back in the gym. Said he’s been working on his handle more and getting stronger – 1:06 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
GM James Jones said everyone is “good” going into camp outside of Devin Booker (health and safety protocols) and Dario Saric (knee). #Suns – 12:58 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“It should burn.”
#Suns James Jones on team losing finals going into this season. pic.twitter.com/xoyPtsah2t – 12:45 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
James Jones said the hope is with JaVale McGee that his rim protection will be infectious on the rest of the team. Talked about how that can be the case and get guys like the wings to take charges and also have a similar mentality like McGee when it comes to interior defense. – 12:42 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
James Jones joked that Chris Paul is “always a full go,” which, true, but said CP3 is fully cleared after the surgery he had on his wrist. – 12:40 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
James Jones was asked if Chris Paul will be ready to go for training camp with that wrist he had surgery on
“Chris is always a full go.” – 12:38 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“It should burn. It’ll probably burn forever. But last season is done.” – James Jones – 12:38 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
“We have an open roster spot. That’ll be something we evaluate. I don’t think there’s any one position.” – James Jones on whether he sees any remaining roster needs for the Suns – 12:37 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
With Elfird Payton, James Jones emphasized the importance of ball-handlers in their offense (high ball screens, DA, etc.) and you can never have too many guys like Payton. – 12:36 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
James Jones said they’ll address potential extensions for Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges when the time comes. Focus right now is on training camp and the preseason. – 12:35 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Will address that when the time comes.” #Suns GM James Jones on extensions as Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges are up for rookie extension. – 12:35 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
James Jones on extensions for Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges: “We’ll address that when the time comes.” Said for now the focus is training camp – 12:34 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
James Jones on Dario Saric’s timetable after tearing his ACL: “We just said indefinitely. We’re gonna let it play out. He’s doing well right now, but until you actually get on the floor and start moving around and actually playing, it’s just conjecture.” – 12:33 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
James Jones said he believes the short layoff can be a benefit for the Suns. Quickly getting back to it will allow guys to get back in their rhythm better as opposed to a longer break. – 12:31 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
James Jones noted that Devin Booker played a lot of basketball this summer, so he’s not worried about him missing training camp – 12:29 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
James Jones is up first for Suns Media Day, saying nothing changes for the Suns’ expectations: “I think our guys know what it takes from a physical and mental standpoint.” – 12:28 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Countdown to training camp: What’s the next step for Phoenix #Suns center Deandre Ayton? (w/videos) azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/FOffN1wKZR – 10:31 AM

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Kyrie Irving declines questions about vaccination status

Ohm Youngmisuk: Kyrie Irving joins Nets media day remotely. On if he expects to be compliant with vaccination to play: “I would love to keep that private and handle that the right way with my team. Obviously I’m not able to be present there today.” …

Ohm Youngmisuk: Kyrie Irving joins Nets media day remotely. On if he expects to be compliant with vaccination to play: “I would love to keep that private and handle that the right way with my team. Obviously I’m not able to be present there today.” He adds he’s not putting limits for future. pic.twitter.com/00fYCtBcNR

Source: Twitter @NotoriousOHM

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
Kyrie Irving would not confirm or deny his vaccination status. Asked if he is looking forward to playing in front of the Brooklyn fans, he said, “The last thing I wanted to create was a distraction and all this hoopla.” – 12:19 PM
Mitch Lawrence @Mitch_Lawrence
Kyrie Irving is first-team All-Distraction. – 12:19 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Kyrie says he doesn’t want to be a distraction. Sigh. – 12:19 PM
Tom Lorenzo @TomLorenzo
Kyrie: “first things first, you gotta respect the privacy… I’m not here to create more drama.” on IG Live after signing off Zoom.
“Don’t say I never did anything for y’all; hope y’all enjoyed that.” – 12:18 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Kyrie, on Instagram Live after his Zoom with reporters ended, says he doesn’t want to create drama, says he wants to continue to lead in the right way. – 12:18 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Kyrie Irving on contract extension talks with the Brooklyn Nets: “We’re having great talks. It’s going well. We know the future is on our side, sort of say, being able to maximize our potential in these next coming years to make a few runs at this championship.” pic.twitter.com/ljkJDAx1Lz – 12:18 PM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Kyrie Irving says,
“I feel like we have a recipe for success.” – 12:16 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Asked if he’s excited to play in front of the Brooklyn fans, Kyrie Irving says “I’m excited…The last thing I wanted to create was this hoopla and distractions. I’m continuously growing and learning from others…It won’t be easy, but I feel like we have a recipe for success.” – 12:16 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
“This is the last thing I wanted to create is more distractions and hoopla around this.” kyrie irving says. – 12:16 PM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Kyrie Irving actually just said he wants no distractions. He’s first-team All-distraction. – 12:16 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“I know that I’ll be there everyday no matter what — I know that the focus has to be on an all-time high. No distractions.”
⁃Kyrie Irving on being available for the Nets this season. – 12:16 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Kyrie Irving refuses to answer if he plans to play in home games this season. In a related story, Nets season tickets are still available. – 12:15 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
When asked if Kyrie Irving will play in home games in New York — where it is mandatory to have at least one COVID-19 shot — Irving declined to answer.
Irving referred back to his privacy and said that information will come in the future. – 12:15 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Kyrie Irving says,
“I wouldn’t be anything without the teammates I have around me.” – 12:14 PM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Asked about his vaccination status, Kyrie Irving says it’s a private matter. Later asked if he expected to play home games in NYC, Irving again asks media to respect his privacy. He intimates that information about his status/availability will be made public at a later date. – 12:14 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Irving was asked about his availability to play in Nets home games: “Again, please respect my privacy. Everything will be released in due time when all of this is cleared up.” – 12:14 PM
Sopan Deb @SopanDeb
Kyrie Irving repeatedly declining to answer questions about vaccinations/COVID-19 stuff.
“Again, I would like to keep all that private.” – 12:14 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kyrie on if he expects to play home games this season, given the NY vaccination mandates: “Again, please respect my privacy.” #nets #nba pic.twitter.com/wBmzmUK0bz – 12:14 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked if he expects to play in home games with the Nets, Kyrie Irving says “please respect my privacy.” Said he will release something on it once he clears things up. – 12:13 PM
David Aldridge @davidaldridgedc
Kyrie Irving asks the media to respect his privacy with regard to why he isn’t at Nets media day. Says everything will be released “at a due date, when this is all cleared up.” – 12:13 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Kyrie Irving was asked about a potential contract extension: “We’re openly communicating and we’ll see. It’s going well.” – 12:13 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked about signing an extension, Kyrie Irving says he’s had open communication with KD and Harden and they all know how they feel on it. “The future is on our side.” Said they’ve had great talks on it and are going well, but doesn’t offer a timetable, like Harden. – 12:12 PM
Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
Kyrie Irving ducking anything relating to his availability. Whether he can play in #Nets home games remains an unknown. How the #NBA is allowing this is a mystery. Very frustrating. – 12:12 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“We’re having great talks, it’s going well. The future is on our side to maximize our potential and win a championship.”
⁃Kyrie Irving on discussing a contract extension to stay in Brooklyn. – 12:12 PM
The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
Actor Michael B. Jordan making this comment on Kyrie’s IG Live 😂
#NBATwitter #NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/8UcoYcMkMg – 12:12 PM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Players don’t have to reveal vaccination status, but here are the facts: Unvaccinated, Kyrie can’t play in any Nets home games, plus games at MSG or in Toronto. These are legitimate, basketball-related questions. – 12:11 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving on his vaccination status and whether he’ll be available for home games: “Please respect my privacy, next question.” #Nets – 12:10 PM
Tina Cervasio @TinaCervasio
“I’d like to keep that stuff private …in the world of Kyrie just want to keep that private & handle that with my team …move forward … does not mean I’m…” …Not going to hinder the team moving forward…
Essentially how Kyrie answered the vaccination question. More to come … pic.twitter.com/od3VPa2lrZ – 12:10 PM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Kyrie Irving joins Nets media day remotely. On if he expects to be compliant with vaccination to play: “I would love to keep that private and handle that the right way with my team. Obviously I’m not able to be present there today.” He adds he’s not putting limits for future. pic.twitter.com/00fYCtBcNR – 12:09 PM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie on his ankle: “It’s been a long road.” Said he was in a lot of pain. He’s been able to rehab but is taking time and wants to be as healthy as possible coming into the season. – 12:09 PM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
I asked Kyrie Irving about his vaccination status, and whether he expects to be either vaxxed or compliant by the time they come back from LA. He declined to answer and said “I prefer to keep that private.” #Nets – 12:09 PM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
Kyrie did not say whether or not he is vaccinated. “I’d like to keep that private,” he said. – 12:08 PM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Kyrie Irving on his vaccination status: “I like to keep that stuff private.” pic.twitter.com/orG5lRJMGm – 12:08 PM

Mike Mazzeo @MazzNYC
Kyrie Irving says he’d like to keep his vaccination status private … – 12:08 PM
Jeff Zillgitt @JeffZillgitt
Kyrie Irving doing media availability away from the team facility declines to address vaccine status: “I’d like to keep that stuff private and handle it the right way with my team and go forward together with a plan.” – 12:08 PM
Tim Reynolds @ByTimReynolds
Kyrie Irving says he will keep his vaccination status private “and handle it the right way with my team and go forward together.” – 12:08 PM
Malika Andrews @malika_andrews
Kyrie Irving, when asked about his vaccination status: “I’d like to keep that stuff private.” – 12:08 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie Irving on his vaccine status: “I like to keep that stuff private. There’s a lot of questions going on in the world of Kyrie and I’d just like to keep that private. Obviously I’m not able to be present today but I’m not putting any limits on the future.” – 12:08 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Kyrie Irving on his vaccination status: “I appreciate the question, but I’d like to keep that stuff private.” – 12:08 PM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Kyrie Irving, joining Nets media day via Zoom, declines to answer questions about his vaccination status. “I’m not able to be present there today but it doesn’t mean I’m putting any limits on the future.” – 12:08 PM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving says he wants to keep his personal vaccination status private. – 12:08 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Kyrie Irving on the roster: “I’m looking forward to every part of this journey…we added more firepower to the interior. I’m looking forward to playing with everybody.” – 12:06 PM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
Kyrie Irving says,
“I’m looking forward to every part of this journey.” – 12:06 PM
Tina Cervasio @TinaCervasio
Kyrie Irving zooming in from Home for #Nets Media Day. (But some tech problems right now 🤦🏻‍♀️). But …. He actually has his IG LIVE right now!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/G5fB1P4I8r – 12:05 PM

Chris Sheridan @sheridanhoops
This is how Kyrie Irving is doing media day. No clarity yet on how he will play home games and comply with new NYC COVID regulations. pic.twitter.com/0ujcmLud9T – 12:04 PM

Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
Kyrie Irving joining Nets media day via Zoom. pic.twitter.com/pBmTED4DRS – 12:03 PM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Kyrie appears at Media Day via Zoom pic.twitter.com/fn0WZHU7LJ – 12:03 PM

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kyrie Irving has joined Nets Media day via Zoom. – 12:03 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
We’re told Kyrie Irving is next. – 12:01 PM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked about Kyrie Irving’s availability, Joe Harris and Bruce Brown proceed to look at each other, and then say neither of them have any concerns about it. – 11:57 AM
The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
Kevin Durant on Kyrie Irving’s talent as a 🏀 player
(via NBA TV)
#NBATwitter #NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/A26vzWJUnw – 11:53 AM

Tina Cervasio @TinaCervasio
So many players, including Joe Harris and Bruce Brown just now … “we rely on Kai…” … which just make me think, and this is not reporting it’s just a vibe. … I feel like Durant and Harden (or someone) may be making progress with Irving to get vaxxed. pic.twitter.com/QN8gvMvtGK – 11:52 AM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Kevin Durant expects #Nets to have ‘whole team’ amid Kyrie Irving vaccination drama nypost.com/2021/09/27/kev… via @nypostsports – 11:43 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Using David Letterman at Nets media day for sound bites and laughs to overshadow the story about Kyrie Irving’s anti-vax stance — if that is what happened — is gross and terribly predictable with retrospect. – 11:08 AM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Kevin Durant was asked about Kyrie Irving’s vaccination status today at Nets media day: “That’s his personal decision, what he does is not on us to speculate. I expect us to have our whole team at some point.” pic.twitter.com/HcjuIzUFu7 – 11:02 AM
The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Kyrie Irving missed Nets media day activities due to NYC’s COVID-19 health and safety regulations
The city requires “proof of at least one dose of vaccination for all workers and individuals in indoor entertainment and performing arts venues.”
➡️ yhoo.it/3CS4ZJQ pic.twitter.com/4lsXgc3bmz – 10:59 AM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Now on @ForbesSports
Brooklyn Nets Star Kyrie Irving To Appear Via Zoom At Media Day As Questions Swirl Around His Vaccination Status
forbes.com/sites/adamzago… – 10:57 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
Deandre Bembry, a St. Pat’s product who has known Kyrie Irving for years, on his pal’s vaccination status: “Me knowing Kai, he’s gonna make his own decisions. The fact that the season is here, he’s going to make his own decision on what he wants to do.” #nets – 10:54 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
DeAndre Bembry on Kyrie Irving’s vaccination status: “He’s gonna make his own decisions.” #Nets – 10:53 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
DeAndre’ Bembry asked about Kyrie Irving’s availability having known him a long time: “He’s going to make his own decisions. That’s pretty much what it comes down to.” – 10:52 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
DeAndre’ Bembry plans to help St. Pats, his alma mater, now that he’s back in the area. Kyrie Irving went there before him, but didn’t overlap with him, but has been very supportive of the school since graduating. – 10:50 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Cam Thomas says he saw Kyrie Irving on Friday. – 10:33 AM
Sarah Todd @NBASarah
I don’t think anyone expected Kyrie Irving at media day and that’s not a good thing. – 10:27 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Asked about Kyrie Irving’s vaccination status, James Harden says he will let the media talk to Irving and listen to what he will say before adding that Kyrie is a huge part of what the Nets are trying to do. – 10:25 AM
Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
James Harden said he would let Kyrie Irving speak later today for himself. He did offer, “Obviously, Kai is a huge part of what we want to do, so …” – 10:23 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
James Harden punts on a question on Kyrie Irving, saying he will let the media ask Kyrie himself. “Obviously Kyrie is a huge part of what we do.” – 10:21 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
James Harden on Kyrie not being here:
“I’ll let you guys listen to what he has to say about that.
Obviously Ky is a huge part of what we’re trying to do.” – 10:21 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
James Harden asked about Kyrie Irving’s status, said he’ll defer to Irving when we speak to him and hear what he has to say. Adds Irving is obviously a big piece to the Nets. – 10:21 AM
Tina Cervasio @TinaCervasio
Kevin Durant says 2 key things: believes they’ll be a”full team” in time.(On ques about Kyrie Irving not being allowed inside Barclays Center today due to not being vaccinated) also:
“I love our roster on paper…now we gotta go out & do it between the lines” #BrooklynTogether pic.twitter.com/zxrGd8HSxK – 10:14 AM

Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
According to NY rules, Kyrie Irving can’t play or practice at home until he gets a vaccination shot. Kevin Durant: “We trust in Kyrie and I expect us to have our whole team at some point.” #Nets #NBA – 10:11 AM
Ian Begley @IanBegley
Kyrie Irving will not be at Media Day in Brooklyn today, sources confirm. NYC mandate states that all Knicks/Nets need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 to practice/play home games in NYC. Nets training camp is in San Diego. Irving may talk to media via Zoom. ESPN first reported. – 10:11 AM
Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
Kevin Durant on Kyrie Irving’s availability: “I expect it not to be [an issue]. That’s on Kyrie and that’s his personal decision. … We trust in Kyrie. I expect us to have our whole team at some point.” – 10:10 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked about Kyrie Irving’s availability at home games, Kevin Durant said he’s not worried about it, said it’s his personal decision. – 10:10 AM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Kevin Durant, when asked if he was concerned about Kyrie Irving‘s availability for the season given NYC’s protocols, said bluntly: “No” – 10:10 AM
Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Kyrie Irving won’t attend Nets media day due to health and safety protocols sportando.basketball/en/kyrie-irvin… – 10:09 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Kevin Durant on Kyrie Irving’s availability at home games going forward and if it will be a concern: “I expect it not to be. That’s on Kyrie. That’s his personal decision. What he does is not for us to speculate… We expect Kyrie and expect the whole team at some point.” – 10:09 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Asked if he’s concerned about Kyrie not being available for home games given that he’s not here today, KD says:
“No…we trust in Kyrie and I expect us to have our whole team at some point.” – 10:09 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Durant says he is not concerned about Kyrie Irving’s availability. “We trust in Kyrie. I expect us to have our whole team at some point.” – 10:09 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Kevin Durant says he’s not concerned about Kyrie Irving’s vaccination status.
“We trust in Kyrie and I expect us to have our whole team at some point.” – 10:09 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
KD on whether inking long-term will help convince Kyrie Irving and James Harden to do the same: “We all three talked about playing here for a long time but their situations will happen on their time and we all respect that.” #Nets #NBA – 10:07 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
KD on potential extensions for Harden and Irving:
“We all 3 talked about playing together for a long time but their situation is going to happen on their time and when they want it to happen” – 10:04 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Durant on his extension: “I wanted to be here. We’ve all talked about being here long term.” Said Irving and Harden’s situations will happen on their own time. – 10:04 AM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
David Letterman is here at Barclays Center for Brooklyn Nets Media Day. He appears to have replaced Kyrie Irving, who is not expected to be available, per ESPN. pic.twitter.com/P6QUsTEQSU – 10:00 AM

Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
We’re told Kyrie Irving will address the media on Zoom later. – 9:59 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
So David Letterman is here in the #Nets media day, but not Kyrie Irving. That’s about par for the course. He’ll be on Zoom later. #NBA – 9:59 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Kyrie Irving is not expected to attend Brooklyn’s media day today due to New York’s health and safety protocols, a source told @SInow. – 9:58 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Greetings from the Barclays Center press conference room. First time in here since the Nets beat the Bulls on March 8, 2020 in Jacque Vaughn’s debut as interim head coach. Nets Media Day kicks off shortly. As Shams reported, Kyrie Irving will not be joining us. – 9:56 AM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Nets’ Kyrie Irving will not be at Media Day today in Brooklyn due to health and safety protocols, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. – 9:52 AM
Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
Kyrie Irving is not expected to attend Nets media day today due to New York City health and safety protocols but the Nets fully expect Irving to accompany the team to training camp in San Diego, sources tell @Brian Windhorst and I. – 9:50 AM
Tom Ziller @teamziller
Enough about Kyrie. The story here is that the NBA and its players’ union are allowing misinformation to take hold AND allowing anti-vaxxers or vaccine skeptics to control the narrative. ziller.substack.com/p/where-the-nb… – 9:32 AM
Jorge Sierra @hoopshype
The most shocking thing you will read today.
(At least, until Kyrie talks to the media). pic.twitter.com/Qi5V2HV5qS – 7:22 AM

More on this storyline

Jeff Zillgitt: Reporter tries to get more info from Kyrie Irving on vaccine/possibly not being available for home games per New York City ordinance: “Please respect my privacy. Next question.” -via Twitter @JeffZillgitt / September 27, 2021
Jeff Zillgitt: Kyrie Irving gets another question about being available at Nets home games: “Everything will be released at a due date once we get this cleared up.” Continued to ask for privacy on the vaccine/availability topic. -via Twitter @JeffZillgitt / September 27, 2021
Ohm Youngmisuk: Kyrie Irving said he doesn’t want to be a distraction to the Nets’ pursuit of a title. “This is the last thing I wanted to create, more distractions.” -via Twitter @NotoriousOHM / September 27, 2021

Joel Embiid insists he wants Ben Simmons back

Noah Levick: Joel Embiid on Ben Simmons: “If I didn’t love playing with Ben Simmons, I’m honest, I would say it.” Embiid says it’s time for the Sixers to take the next step and emphasizes he’s disappointed with the current situation (Simmons not …

Noah Levick: Joel Embiid on Ben Simmons: “If I didn’t love playing with Ben Simmons, I’m honest, I would say it.” Embiid says it’s time for the Sixers to take the next step and emphasizes he’s disappointed with the current situation (Simmons not being here).

Source: Twitter @NoahLevick

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jeff Eisenband @JeffEisenband
It’s funny to think that we’re all scrolling through Twitter for Ben Simmons updates and Ben Simmons is somewhere doing the same thing. – 12:02 PM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers swingman Furkan Korkmaz: ‘I don’t know the situation (with Ben Simmons). I love playing with him and would love to play with him. I hope he’s going to be happy and we’re going to be happy at the end.’ – 12:00 PM
Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Part 1: If Joel Embiid had gotten the chance to sit with Ben Simmons, what would he have said to him? pic.twitter.com/80hdcfj5Qt – 11:56 AM

Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Joel Embiid says “we’ve all seen the (offseason) videos” of Ben Simmons, so him doing that (if he comes back) would be great.
Embiid also highlights offensive rebounding as an area where he thinks Simmons can grow. – 11:53 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid was asked what the team needs from Simmons if he returns: “We’ve all seen the videos. So that would help.” Embiid said Simmons has the potential to be that good. #Sixers – 11:53 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
“I’m sure we’ve all seen the videos. That would help.” – Joel Embiid on what he would like to see from Simmons if he reports to Sixers this season. Also mentioned his defense. – 11:52 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid: ‘I got to be better. Go back to Game 7 – I turned the ball over a couple times and missed a couple shots. Game 4 I missed a layup. … I got to be better. That can’t happen.’ – 11:52 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid on what he would want to see from Simmons if he does come back and play for them: “I’m sure we’ve all seen the videos. That would help.”
(Also notes his defense among other things will be valuable regardless) – 11:51 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Could Simmons’ saga overshadow an expected MVP-caliber campaign from Embiid? | Off the Dribble #Sixers inquirer.com/newsletters/si… via @phillyinquirer – 11:51 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Embiid did reference the videos everybody has seen this summer with his jump shot. He adds that “it would help”. #Sixers – 11:51 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Asked Joel Embiid what he would say to Ben Simmons if he got to talk to him. After a long pause, he said, “I’d say I’m disappointed” in the fact the situation has gotten to where it is, that he still believes he and Ben can win together and he wants to keep playing with him. – 11:50 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Embiid wants to make sure his disappointed quote isn’t taken out of context. The big man is not disappointed in Simmons. Embiid disappointed in the situation because of what he thinks this team can accomplish. – 11:48 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
“He knows we can win together.” “I really hope he changes his mind” – Embiid on Simmons – 11:48 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid: ‘This year I might shoot more 3s because I think that’s going to help the team.’ – 11:48 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Joel Embiid makes it clear he loves playing alongside Ben Simmons and hopes he comes back since the #Sixers have been building around them two – 11:47 AM
Mitch Lawrence @Mitch_Lawrence
The Sixers will be at the Pelicans on Oct. 20, opening night for both teams. Will Ben Simmons be on the Sixers by then? Will Zion be available to play for the Pels, coming off foot surgery? – 11:47 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Joel Embiid on Ben Simmons: “If I didn’t love playing with Ben Simmons, I’m honest, I would say it.”
Embiid says it’s time for the Sixers to take the next step and emphasizes he’s disappointed with the current situation (Simmons not being here). – 11:47 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
On being “disappointed,” Embiid said he believes the Sixers are on the right path and ready to take the next step. “I hope he changes his mind … I love playing with him.” – 11:46 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers star center Joel Embiid: ‘I’m disappointed in the fact we’ve seen the results. … I hope that he really changes his mind. If I didn’t like playing with him, I would say. We’ve been building this team around us.’ – 11:46 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers center Joel Embiid on his defensive impact and wanting to be DPOY: pic.twitter.com/gcrHz231yb – 11:45 AM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
What Embiid would say to Ben, if Simmons would have met with him:” I’m disappointed, obviously because we haven’t won anything.” “Look at what we’ve been able to do. It’s all about taking the next step” – 11:45 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Joel Embiid on what he’d say to Ben Simmons: “Honestly, I’m disappointed.”
Embiid: “In the regular season, we’ve been so good and so dominant that we know it’s working. It’s about taking the next step and everyone playing up to their potential.” – 11:45 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Embiid on if he had to chance to talk to him: “I’m disappointed … Look at what we have been able to do. I have to be better. Everybody has to be better. But we have been so dominant that we know what’s working. …” – 11:44 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Embiid with a long, long pause when asked by @Tim Bontemps what he would say to Simmons. “I’m disappointed. We haven’t won anything … I got to be better, everyone has got to be better. But in the regular season, we have been so dominant … we know it’s working.” – 11:44 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid on what he would say to Simmons: “I would probably say I’m disappointed…I think it’s all about taking the next step, and everybody playing up to their potential, whether it’s me, him, Tobias, Shake, Matisse…everybody has to be on point.” – 11:44 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Embiid says he would tell Ben Simmons that he’s “disappointed” about what’s happening and then remind him of what they’ve been able to do. In the regular season, they’ve been so dominant, it’s now about taking the next step. #Sixers – 11:44 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Joel Embiid on what he would have said to Ben Simmons: ‘I would probably say I’m disappointed. We haven’t won anything, (but) look at what we’ve been able to do. … It’s all about taking the next step.’ – 11:43 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“I would say I’m disappointed” Joel Embiid after a long pause on what he would’ve said to Ben Simmons if they met out in LA #Sixers – 11:43 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Embiid on asking fans to be better: “The fans have the right to act the way the want to. Personally, I would not like to be in another city… Only fair for them to be pissed off when we lose…They work hard for the money they make… – 11:40 AM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Joel Embiid: “I would not want to be in another city because I love Philadelphia.” He said the main reason is the passion of the fans & their desire to see their teams to win: “They care.” – 11:40 AM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Embiid, on Philly fans: “Fans have the right to act the way they want to. Personally, I would not want to be in another city…It’s only fair for them to be pissed off when we lose…We get paid based on them coming to games and buying jerseys. I’m grateful for it.” – 11:40 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid says he doesn’t want to play anywhere else because of how invested the fan base is here. “They know who the 15th guy on the team is … I could be averaging 50 points a game, and they’re going to be mad if we lose.” – 11:39 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Joel Embiid on wanting Philly fans to ‘be better’ ‘The fans have the right to act the way they want to. Personally, I would not want to be in another city. It’s only fair for them to be pissed off when we lose. – 11:39 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid on the fans: “The fans have the right to act the way they want to. Personally, I would not want to be in another city, I like Philadelphia because they care. They come to games…they know everything about the team…it’s only fair for them to be pissed off when we lose.” – 11:39 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Embiid says trade rumors are a part of the business, and players have to understand that, and move on. – 11:38 AM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Joel Embiid on calling Ben Simmons passing up a late dunk a turning point after Game 7. “I don’t have any regrets because I didn’t call out anybody. I just stated the facts. I’m honest & I cant lie. I don’t feel like I put anybody in a situation where they had to feel bad.” – 11:38 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Joel Embiid: Trade rumors are “part of the business. … You can’t get mad at that. That’s just the way it is.”
Embiid recalls “the whole city wanted” him traded two years, and “you don’t really get treated as a human being. … Then again, it is a business.” – 11:38 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Embiid: “If Golden State called and offered Steph and Klay for me, you think the Sixers would say no to that? I would say yes.” #Sixers – 11:37 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid said everyone needs to grow up and handle trade rumors professionally. “If Golden State came and offered Steph and Klay for me, wouldn’t the Sixers say yes to that? I would probably say yes to that [if I was them]” – 11:37 AM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Joel Embiid on dealing with trade rumors: “If Golden State came and offered Steph and Klay for me…I would say yes to that…You can’t get mad at that.”
“It is a business. It’s unfortunate to be in that situation.”
Embiid says it’s just something they have to deal with. – 11:37 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid on trade rumors: “You just have to deal with them. … If the Warriors called and offered Steph and Klay for me, do you think the Sixers would say no to that? … I wouldn’t say no to that.” – 11:36 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Joel Embiid: ‘If Golden State offered Steph and Klay for me, they got to say yes to that. How do you not? You can’t get mad at that.’ #Warriors – 11:36 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Embiid doesn’t regret his post-game comment. “I don’t have any regrets because I didn’t call anybody out on this…. You know I can’t lie.” – 11:36 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Joel Embiid says he doesn’t have any regrets about his post-Game 7 comments and reiterates the Sixers “all gotta be better.” – 11:35 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Joel Embiid says he doesn’t have any regrets about his comments after Game 7. Says he was “just stating the facts” #Sixers – 11:35 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid said if he regrets anything about what he said after the game, it was for calling out Matisse Thybulle for missing a free throw after the Ben Simmons dunk. He said he just believed that play was the turning point of the game, and so he answered that way. – 11:35 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid asked if he regrets G7 comments: “I don’t think I said anything, I asked a question about what was a turning point. It was a the turning point…I don’t have any regrets, because I didn’t call out anybody, I just stated the facts.” – 11:35 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Ben Embiid: ‘I was asked a question about the turning point (in Game 7). … I don’t have any regrets. I didn’t call out anybody.’ – 11:35 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
“I know he’s(Ben) going through a lot, and I guess we just gotta let him be himself.” – Embiid – 11:35 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Joel Embiid acknowledged the Sixers attempted to fly to L.A. to meet with Ben Simmons. – 11:34 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Embiid on Simmons: “I know he is going through a lot … we just have to let him be himself.” – 11:34 AM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Joel Embiid confirms that they tried to go out to LA to meet with Simmons: “That’s what it takes to win, and I still believe that we got a chance to win with him. I know he’s going through a lot, and I guess we just gotta let him be himself.” – 11:34 AM
Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid added that he “of course” wants Ben Simmons back and he adds that he’s been so important to what they’ve been building here #Sixers – 11:34 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Joel Embiid said the players did try to go speak with Ben Simmons in California, but that they have to let him “be himself.” – 11:34 AM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Joel Embiid on the Ben Simmons situation: “Of course we want him back.” He acknowledges teammates tried to fly out and meet with him. – 11:34 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers star center Joel Embiid confirms some players tried to go out to talk to Ben Simmons. ‘We just got to let him be himself.’ – 11:33 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Joel Embiid on Ben Simmons: “Obviously we want him back.”
Embiid says, “The way I look at is we’ve all got to be better.” – 11:33 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Joel Embiid: “Of course we want him(Ben Simmons) back.” – 11:33 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Embiid on Simmons: “Of course we want him back, he’s a big piece of what we’ve been building the past few years…the way I look at it is, we all got to be better. After we lost, I kinda tried to figure out ways I could be better so we can win something.” – 11:33 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
Joel Embiid says “of course we want [Ben] back … there’s a lot of stuff that has happened … the way I look at is we all got to be better.” – 11:33 AM
Jeff Zillgitt @JeffZillgitt
“Of course we want him back,” Sixers All-Star Joel Embiid on Ben Simmons. – 11:33 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Joel Embiid says the #Sixers “of course” want Ben Simmons back – 11:32 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Joel Embiid is here. He says his knee is “fine” and he feels “pretty good.” pic.twitter.com/L0ocWXShPf – 11:32 AM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
Joel Embiid opens up media day by saying his knee is fine. He’s been working out all summer and he’s good. #Sixers – 11:32 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Joel Embiid says his knee is fine. He’s been working out all summer and hasn’t had any setbacks #Sixers – 11:32 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Doc Rivers: “There’s guys out there who are winners that don’t necessarily shoot the ball.”
Rivers says, if the Sixers don’t have Ben Simmons, they’ll most miss his defense and pace. – 11:31 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Rivers is now comparing Ben Simmons to Rondo, Rodman, and Wallace, as players who also don’t/didn’t shoot, and were very successful. – 11:31 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Talk about a straight to the point question. Reporter asks Doc Rivers and Daryl Morey if Ben Simmons is “soft.” pic.twitter.com/twVCE3mBfb – 11:30 AM

Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
Doc Rivers on criticisms that Ben Simmons is “soft”: “I’ve never heard of the word soft compared to the guy that was second in voting in Defensive Player of the Year, personally. – 11:30 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Doc Rivers says he never heard the word, “soft” when referencing Ben Simmons. – 11:29 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
To encapsulate Ben Simmons standoff with Sixers: Org is playing hardball. Made it clear ramifications if he doesn’t report. – 11:27 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Daryl Morey on Ben Simmons: He “is a great player and we expect him back. We expect him to be a 76er.” – 11:24 AM
Jeff Zillgitt @JeffZillgitt
Sixers president of basketball ops won’t get into specifics of Ben Simmons fines/withholding salary, but says it’s “very clearly spelled out what happens” in CBA and his contract by missing media day, practices and games. Sixers can fine him in addition to withholding salary. – 11:24 AM
The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
Doc Rivers snapping at a reporter when asked about Ben Simmons saying “I’m in charge here” 👀
#NBATwitter #NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/ABReFNi5Te – 11:23 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Doc Rivers doesn’t come out and say it, but strongly implies that Tyrese Maxey is going to be the point guard for as long as Ben Simmons isn’t here. When asked who will be taking Simmons’ place, he jokes it “shouldn’t be hard” to figure it out. – 11:23 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers star center Joel Embiid waiting in wings to speak at media day. – 11:23 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Doc Rivers when asked Ben Simmons wants out of Philly: “It’s tough to play here. Ben didn’t say that. I can’t say he said that. That’s just an assumption.” #Sixers – 11:22 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Morey says the last time he spoke to Ben Simmons was when they met with him in Los Angeles several weeks ago. He said he’s talked to his representatives, led by Rich Paul, since then. – 11:22 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Morey says “CBA is clearly spelled out what happens”, referencing Ben Simmons. – 11:22 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Daryl Morey: ‘We’re not going to talk about specifics of fines (with Ben Simmons holding out),’ but CBA ‘clearly indicates’ what they can do. – 11:22 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Daryl Morey says he won’t talk about specifics with fines re: Ben Simmons, but says it is “very clearly spelled out” in the CBA what happens in this type of situation. – 11:21 AM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Doc says without Ben Simmons on the floor in practice, the second unit and trickle-down effect of missing a key player is the biggest concern. Says Tyrese Maxey will have a big role with or without Simmons. – 11:20 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Doc Rivers says he has an idea of what he wants to do at PG with Ben Simmons out. Won’t reveal his plan but says it should be easy to figure out what the plan is #Sixers – 11:20 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Doc Rivers on what he’ll do at point guard with Ben Simmons absent: ‘The biggest thing isn’t who starts – the second unit is the issue.’ Says second-year man Tyrese Maxey will get more minutes ‘with Ben or without.’ – 11:20 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Doc Rivers says it’s fair to expect Tyrese Maxey to have a “big role” with or without Ben Simmons. – 11:20 AM
The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
Do you agree with Brendan Haywood’s assessment on Ben Simmons here?
(via NBA TV)
#NBATwitter #NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/6NLCnBgOTR – 11:19 AM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Morey says he last met with Ben Simmons 6-7 weeks ago. Has communicated with his representation in the meantime – 11:19 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Doc Rivers on the Ben Simmons situation being a distraction: ‘Trade rumors are always a concern (for younger players). For players hearing their names, that’s not easy for them.’ – 11:17 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Doc Rivers on Joel Embiid’s and Danny Green’s remarks about Philly fans: ‘Fans are fans. I think most cities are about the same. I think this is an intense fan base. I like the people caring.’ – 11:11 AM
Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Solomon Hill: “If the 76ers win the series (against the Hawks), does the Ben Simmons thing even go down?” – 11:11 AM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Daryl Morey on if there is any hope for a reconciliation with Ben Simmons. “I think there is a lot of hope.” He added that a “thousand pounds of digital ink” was spilled on Aaron Rodgers being traded from Green Bay & he just led the Packers to a comeback victory last night. – 11:09 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Doc Rivers on setting expectations given Ben Simmons’ situation: ‘Clearly not an easy situation, but it’s easy, individually. … We’re going to focus on who’s here with hopes that we do have Ben at some point.’ – 11:09 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
“I think there is a lot of hope” for reconciliation with Ben Simmons. – Daryl Morey – 11:08 AM
Jeff Zillgitt @JeffZillgitt
“Lot of hope,” Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said of Ben Simmons playing for the Sixers this season, adding, “We have a lot of optimism we can make it work.” – 11:07 AM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Doc Rivers on why Ben Simmons wants out of Philadelphia: “It’s tough to play here. Ben didn’t say that. I can’t say he said that. That’s just an assumption.” – 11:07 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Daryl Morey says he thinks there’s “a lot of hope” for reconciliation with Ben Simmons. – 11:07 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“It’s a tough answer because it wasn’t as clear as we probably wanted.” Doc Rivers on why Ben Simmons wants out. Makes it clear he doesn’t think his G7 comments are a reason why since they talked about it the next day #Sixers – 11:07 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers on why Ben Simmons wants out: ‘That’s a good question. … It’s tough to play here, but Ben didn’t say that. It’s just an assumption.’ – 11:06 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Morey says Sixers were not looking to trade Ben Simmons after season. His reps asked for a trade. – 11:06 AM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Daryl Morey on Ben Simmons’ absence at Sixers camp: “We are disappointed he’s not here…but we are very excited about the players that are here. We are focused on them.” Added any personnel move will be what he believes will be what’s best for the team. – 11:05 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Daryl Morey says Sixers “were not looking to trade” Ben Simmons and that Simmons’ reps asked for a trade after the season in Chicago.
“We are disappointed he’s not here,” Morey says of Simmons. He says his focus is to “do what gives us the best chance to win a championship.’ – 11:05 AM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Doc Rivers on how his comments after Game 7 about Ben Simmons were taken out of context: “Who do you think defended Ben more? I think the world of him as a player.” On if that comment is why Ben wants out of Philadelphia: “I don’t believe that’s one of the problems.” – 11:05 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
In Philadelphia, Daryl Morey confirms that Ben Simmons reps asked for a trade shortly after the season. “We were not looking to trade him,” Morey said. “We’re disappointed he is not here.” – 11:04 AM
Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
Daryl Morey on Ben Simmons: “We were not looking to trade him.” – 11:04 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers on remarks about Ben Simmons after Game 7: pic.twitter.com/9oTDhf9s9S – 11:04 AM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Doc Rivers begins his press conference defending what he said after Game 7 about Ben Simmons, saying he wasn’t answering the question being asked. Rivers said he still thinks “the world” of Simmons as a player. – 11:04 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
“To me, sometimes I wish instead of just going with what you want, go with my intent.” – Doc Rivers on post Gm 7 Ben Simmons comment. – 11:03 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons: “I still think the world of him. I think the world of him as a player. Just because he doesn’t do certain things you want him to do doesn’t mean he’s a bad player.” – 11:03 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons situation: ‘I still think the world of him as a player, Just because he doesn’t do things you want him to do – he almost won the Defensive Player of the Year.’ #NBA – 11:03 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“I still think the world of him as a player” – Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons #Sixers – 11:03 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Doc Rivers insists he never answered question about Ben Simmons post Game seven. – 11:02 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Doc Rivers clearly still frustrated about his infamous Game 7 comments regarding Ben Simmons #Sixers – 11:02 AM
Bill Ingram @TheRocketGuy
The problem with making a huge stink about not wanting to play for your team, and that team then making it very public, is that it makes it extremely difficult to get value or even make a move. That’s why the Sixers are still sitting on Ben Simmons. #NBA – 9:31 AM
Bill Ingram @TheRocketGuy
About to join @johngranato for a hot on ESPN Houston talking about Ben Simmons, John Wall and kickin’ off @rockets training camp. Join us! #NBA #HoustonRockets – 8:57 AM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
On the latest @SixersBeat, I tried to do a better job explaining how the CBA influences much of the circus-like atmosphere surrounding the Ben Simmons trade saga.
Clip below. Click on the link for the full episode. linktr.ee/sixersbeat pic.twitter.com/d8zEzQG4jx – 8:43 AM
Keith Pompey @PompeyOnSixers
Could Ben Simmons’ saga overshadow an expected MVP-caliber campaign from Joel Embiid? | Off the Dribble inquirer.com/newsletters/si… via @phillyinquirer – 8:42 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Had 15 minutes of one-on-one time with Ben Simmons during his first day in philly(at PCOM). Was he the person back then, he is now? pic.twitter.com/ztzZoxlVoz – 8:33 AM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Who’s ready for Ben Simmons media d…..Sixers media day? pic.twitter.com/Ps3FCQxrF8 – 6:55 AM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
NEW episode of Pickaxe and Roll, presented by @DKSportsbook:
Stop worrying about a Ben Simmons trade. It ain’t happening. Not to the Nuggets anyway.
That and more on media week and training camp. denverstiffs.com/2021/9/27/2269… – 2:27 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Sixers fans, what do you want to find out at media day tomorrow that doesn’t involve Ben Simmons ? – 8:47 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Whoever you talk to around the league, it’s a lot of the same thing when it comes to a Ben Simmons trade: “It all starts Monday”.
If/when Simmons does not show up to training camp, that’s when the trade market really starts to materialize, and real offers start coming in. – 7:59 PM
Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
Stephen Curry Just stirred the pot again with his sly comments concerning Ben Simmons.
sportscasting.com/stephen-curry-… – 2:31 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
📆 Circle October 1st on your calendar.
@Bobby Marks tells @Brian Geltzeiler and @Sam Mitchell why that’s a key date in the Ben Simmons saga and how it might affect where the 76ers ultimately trade him. pic.twitter.com/ASLQE78xt7 – 1:30 PM

More on this storyline

Zion Williamson likely missing preseason games due to foot injury

Shams Charania: Pelicans’ Zion Williamson had surgery for a fractured right foot this offseason and should return for the start of the regular season, David Griffin says. Source: Twitter @ShamsCharania What’s the buzz on Twitter? Jake Madison @ …

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Locked on Pelicans is live!
🏀 Just chill when it comes to Zion
🏀 Defense has been improving
🏀 What does he need to answer at media day?
🎧 linktr.ee/NolaJake
Watch on YouTube!
📺 bit.ly/LOPYouTube pic.twitter.com/3iYxowjMxl – 11:29 AM

Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
David Griffin gives more detail on Zion Williamson’s fractured right foot: It was the 5th metacarpal bone, and according to evaluations yesterday, it’s not likely Z will appear in preseason games. (There are 9 days between the last preseason game and start of regular season.) – 11:21 AM
Mitch Lawrence @Mitch_Lawrence
David Griffin says Zion Williamson not being available to start training camp because he’s coming off a fractured right foot and surgery — not revealed ’til today’s Pelicans media day — is “not a negative for the franchise.” So it’s a positive? – 11:21 AM
Scott Kushner @ScottDKushner
Griffin said he expects Zion to ramp up throughout the preseason, but it’s not “terribly likely” he’ll play in exhibition games. – 11:21 AM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Griffin says Zion broke the fifth metacarpal in his right foot. – 11:20 AM
Eliot Clough @EliotClough
Griff his relationship with Zion: “Z (and his family) were unhappy with the way (our) relationship was characterized.” – 11:15 AM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
David Griffin dismisses the notion that he and Zion Williamson have a bad relationship. He said that he actually shared a laugh with Z yesterday about how he doesn’t even play the piano. – 11:15 AM
Eliot Clough @EliotClough
David Griffin on his relationship with Zion: “Z and I spoke yesterday and shared a laugh about the story. Zion and I shared a laugh about it, because I don’t play the piano.” – 11:14 AM
Christian Clark @cclark3000
Griff says he does not play the piano. He said he and Zion shared a laugh about it yesterday. – 11:13 AM
Eliot Clough @EliotClough
David Griffin on the Zion injury: “He was working out prior to summer league. … His rehab has been done totally in lockstep with the organization, and we’re happy with where it’s at.” – 11:12 AM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Griffin says Zion hurt his foot while working out by himself before Summer League – 11:12 AM
Christian Clark @cclark3000
Griff says Zion hurt his foot working out by himself at Summer League. – 11:11 AM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Pelicans’ Zion Williamson had surgery for a fractured right foot this offseason and should return for the start of the regular season, David Griffin says. – 11:11 AM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Griffin says the team doctor was part of the surgery process for Zion Williamson – 11:11 AM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
David Griffin says Zion Williamson’s injury occurred while he was working out on the court prior to summer league. – 11:11 AM
Scott Kushner @ScottDKushner
Griffin says Zion was working out prior to summer league and hurt his foot on the floor. – 11:11 AM
Oleh Kosel @OlehKosel
Zion is recovering from foot surgery (fracture) this offseason, occurring prior to summer league.
This was the reason he wasn’t in Nashville for voluntary player workouts. – 11:10 AM
Eliot Clough @EliotClough
David Griffin says that Zion is returning from a foot surgery he sustained early in the summer. A fractured right foot — says the timeline to return is hopefully before the season starts. – 11:10 AM
Christian Clark @cclark3000
Zion Williamson had surgery to repair a right foot fracture. Griff says he should be back in time for the start of the regular season. – 11:09 AM
Scott Kushner @ScottDKushner
Griffin says his “view” and “hope” is to get Zion back on the court by the start of the regular season. – 11:09 AM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
David Griffin informs the media that Zion Williamson is returning a fractured foot and the team ahs discussed a return to play timeline with him and his family – 11:09 AM
Will Guillory @WillGuillory
Griffin says Zion Williamson is recovering from foot surgery to repair a fractured foot. Says he hopes Zion will be back to start the regular season. – 11:08 AM
Andrew Lopez @_Andrew_Lopez
David Griffin says Zion Williamson had foot surgery in the summer. He had a fractured right foot.
He should be back by the regular season. – 11:08 AM
Scott Kushner @ScottDKushner
Griffin said Zion is returning from a foot surgery and they establishing a timeline for him to return. – 11:08 AM
Jake Madison @NOLAJake
Locked on Pelicans is live!
🏀 Just chill when it comes to Zion
🏀 Defense has been improving
🏀 What does he need to answer at media day?
🎧 linktr.ee/NolaJake
Watch on YouTube!
📺 bit.ly/LOPYouTube pic.twitter.com/Itv3ozxxYf – 9:09 AM

More on this storyline

Eliot Clough: Griff says the team will approach the preseason like training camp, and “I anticipate we’ll be ramping up throughout the preseason.” Zion’s injury is his right foot and his fifth metacarpal. -via Twitter @EliotClough / September 27, 2021
Andrew Lopez: Griff says Zion was working out prior to summer league and suffered the injury then. Says head strength and conditioning coach Stan Williams has been with Zion throughout the summer and his recovery was “in lockstep” with the team. -via Twitter @_Andrew_Lopez / September 27, 2021

Daryl Morey hopes for reconciliation with Ben Simmons

Chris Mannix: Morey says there is “a lot of hope” for reconciliation between the Sixers and Simmons. “We have a lot of optimism we can make it work here.” Source: Twitter @SIChrisMannix What’s the buzz on Twitter? The Jump @ _Talkin_NBA Do you agree …

Chris Mannix: Morey says there is “a lot of hope” for reconciliation between the Sixers and Simmons. “We have a lot of optimism we can make it work here.”

Source: Twitter @SIChrisMannix

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

The Jump @_Talkin_NBA
Do you agree with Brendan Haywood’s assessment on Ben Simmons here?
(via NBA TV)
#NBATwitter #NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/6NLCnBgOTR – 11:19 AM

Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Morey says he last met with Ben Simmons 6-7 weeks ago. Has communicated with his representation in the meantime – 11:19 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Doc Rivers on the Ben Simmons situation being a distraction: ‘Trade rumors are always a concern (for younger players). For players hearing their names, that’s not easy for them.’ – 11:17 AM
Chris Kirschner @ChrisKirschner
Solomon Hill: “If the 76ers win the series (against the Hawks), does the Ben Simmons thing even go down?” – 11:11 AM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Daryl Morey on if there is any hope for a reconciliation with Ben Simmons. “I think there is a lot of hope.” He added that a “thousand pounds of digital ink” was spilled on Aaron Rodgers being traded from Green Bay & he just led the Packers to a comeback victory last night. – 11:09 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Doc Rivers on setting expectations given Ben Simmons’ situation: ‘Clearly not an easy situation, but it’s easy, individually. … We’re going to focus on who’s here with hopes that we do have Ben at some point.’ – 11:09 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
“I think there is a lot of hope” for reconciliation with Ben Simmons. – Daryl Morey – 11:08 AM
Jeff Zillgitt @JeffZillgitt
“Lot of hope,” Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said of Ben Simmons playing for the Sixers this season, adding, “We have a lot of optimism we can make it work.” – 11:07 AM
Michael Lee @MrMichaelLee
Doc Rivers on why Ben Simmons wants out of Philadelphia: “It’s tough to play here. Ben didn’t say that. I can’t say he said that. That’s just an assumption.” – 11:07 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Daryl Morey says he thinks there’s “a lot of hope” for reconciliation with Ben Simmons. – 11:07 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“It’s a tough answer because it wasn’t as clear as we probably wanted.” Doc Rivers on why Ben Simmons wants out. Makes it clear he doesn’t think his G7 comments are a reason why since they talked about it the next day #Sixers – 11:07 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers on why Ben Simmons wants out: ‘That’s a good question. … It’s tough to play here, but Ben didn’t say that. It’s just an assumption.’ – 11:06 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Morey says Sixers were not looking to trade Ben Simmons after season. His reps asked for a trade. – 11:06 AM
Gina Mizell @ginamizell
Daryl Morey on Ben Simmons’ absence at Sixers camp: “We are disappointed he’s not here…but we are very excited about the players that are here. We are focused on them.” Added any personnel move will be what he believes will be what’s best for the team. – 11:05 AM
Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
Daryl Morey on Ben Simmons: “We were not looking to trade him.” – 11:04 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers coach Doc Rivers on remarks about Ben Simmons after Game 7: pic.twitter.com/9oTDhf9s9S – 11:04 AM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Doc Rivers begins his press conference defending what he said after Game 7 about Ben Simmons, saying he wasn’t answering the question being asked. Rivers said he still thinks “the world” of Simmons as a player. – 11:04 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
“To me, sometimes I wish instead of just going with what you want, go with my intent.” – Doc Rivers on post Gm 7 Ben Simmons comment. – 11:03 AM
Noah Levick @NoahLevick
Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons: “I still think the world of him. I think the world of him as a player. Just because he doesn’t do certain things you want him to do doesn’t mean he’s a bad player.” – 11:03 AM
Tom Moore @TomMoorePhilly
#Sixers Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons situation: ‘I still think the world of him as a player, Just because he doesn’t do things you want him to do – he almost won the Defensive Player of the Year.’ #NBA – 11:03 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
“I still think the world of him as a player” – Doc Rivers on Ben Simmons #Sixers – 11:03 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Doc Rivers insists he never answered question about Ben Simmons post Game seven. – 11:02 AM
Justin Grasso @JGrasso_
Doc Rivers clearly still frustrated about his infamous Game 7 comments regarding Ben Simmons #Sixers – 11:02 AM
Bill Ingram @TheRocketGuy
The problem with making a huge stink about not wanting to play for your team, and that team then making it very public, is that it makes it extremely difficult to get value or even make a move. That’s why the Sixers are still sitting on Ben Simmons. #NBA – 9:31 AM
Bill Ingram @TheRocketGuy
About to join @johngranato for a hot on ESPN Houston talking about Ben Simmons, John Wall and kickin’ off @rockets training camp. Join us! #NBA #HoustonRockets – 8:57 AM
Derek Bodner @DerekBodnerNBA
On the latest @SixersBeat, I tried to do a better job explaining how the CBA influences much of the circus-like atmosphere surrounding the Ben Simmons trade saga.
Clip below. Click on the link for the full episode. linktr.ee/sixersbeat pic.twitter.com/d8zEzQG4jx – 8:43 AM
Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Had 15 minutes of one-on-one time with Ben Simmons during his first day in philly(at PCOM). Was he the person back then, he is now? pic.twitter.com/ztzZoxlVoz – 8:33 AM

Jon Johnson @jonjohnsonwip
Who’s ready for Ben Simmons media d…..Sixers media day? pic.twitter.com/Ps3FCQxrF8 – 6:55 AM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
NEW episode of Pickaxe and Roll, presented by @DKSportsbook:
Stop worrying about a Ben Simmons trade. It ain’t happening. Not to the Nuggets anyway.
That and more on media week and training camp. denverstiffs.com/2021/9/27/2269… – 2:27 AM
Kyle Neubeck @KyleNeubeck
Sixers fans, what do you want to find out at media day tomorrow that doesn’t involve Ben Simmons ? – 8:47 PM
Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Whoever you talk to around the league, it’s a lot of the same thing when it comes to a Ben Simmons trade: “It all starts Monday”.
If/when Simmons does not show up to training camp, that’s when the trade market really starts to materialize, and real offers start coming in. – 7:59 PM
Bob Garcia @bgarciaivsports
Stephen Curry Just stirred the pot again with his sly comments concerning Ben Simmons.
sportscasting.com/stephen-curry-… – 2:31 PM
Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
📆 Circle October 1st on your calendar.
@Bobby Marks tells @Brian Geltzeiler and @Sam Mitchell why that’s a key date in the Ben Simmons saga and how it might affect where the 76ers ultimately trade him. pic.twitter.com/ASLQE78xt7 – 1:30 PM

More on this storyline

Noah Levick: Daryl Morey says Sixers “were not looking to trade” Ben Simmons and that Simmons’ reps asked for a trade after the season in Chicago. “We are disappointed he’s not here,” Morey says of Simmons. He says his focus is to “do what gives us the best chance to win a championship.’ -via Twitter @NoahLevick / September 27, 2021
Michael Lee: Doc Rivers on how his comments after Game 7 about Ben Simmons were taken out of context: “Who do you think defended Ben more? I think the world of him as a player.” On if that comment is why Ben wants out of Philadelphia: “I don’t believe that’s one of the problems.” -via Twitter @MrMichaelLee / September 27, 2021

Lakers explored trading for Damian Lillard

In the two months that followed their first-round playoff flop against Phoenix, when Davis’ groin injury left them pulling up lame, the Lakers explored the prospect of trading for such stars as Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal, DeMar DeRozan and Russell …

In the two months that followed their first-round playoff flop against Phoenix, when Davis’ groin injury left them pulling up lame, the Lakers explored the prospect of trading for such stars as Damian Lillard, Bradley Beal, DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook. The process unfolded well beyond the team’s front office’s search, with James setting up a war room of his own at his Brentwood estate for some in-person player meetings while leading remote communications in other conversations.

Source: Bill Oram, Shams Charania, Sam Amick @ The Athletic

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
Ja Morant told me he’s a top 5 NBA point guard with Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook.
“The point guard position is so loaded. Some guys have to get left out,” @Ja Morant said.
More from our @Jorge Sierra chat. hoopshype.com/lists/ja-moran… – 9:07 AM
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
S/o @aespinal21 for letting me use his NFL Sunday ticket log in to watch my @raiders !! 3-0 #justwinbaby – 8:02 PM
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Who got Sunday ticket log in I can use ? Lol – 4:11 PM
Tony Jones @Tjonesonthenba
So far through four weeks, the three best teams in the country might be from the SEC…..depending on how you view Oregon, Ohio State and notre Dame – 9:58 PM
Matt Steinmetz @SteinmetzNBA
Doesn’t happen, I don’t think, with Curry-Thompson, Tatum-Brown, Jokic-Murray, James-Davis, Lillard-McCollum, Leonard-George, etc. Not if top 2 respect each other. – 9:09 PM
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Rematch gone be even tougher for AJ. Usyk gone get more comfortable at this weight and he gone know AJ better… lookin forward to it – 6:09 PM
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Usyk by unanimous decision man. Respect to AJ tho – 6:05 PM
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
They stopped the fight with 8 seconds!!!! Boxing is fucked up man – 6:03 PM
Micah Adams @MicahAdams13
Brian Kelly passing Knute Rockne at Notre Dame is like someone passing John Wooden at UCLA but without actually winning anything of significance. – 3:44 PM
Kevin Chouinard @KLChouinard
Notes Dame has to figure out a way to trade Mike Tirico for Gus Johnson. Throw in a first-round pick, the right to swap picks, whatever. Do what you gotta do. – 3:18 PM
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Sending prayers for Lenin Castillo! Hopefully he will be okay… – 2:31 PM
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Can’t wait for usyk vs Joshua tomorrow … gone be a great one – 11:13 PM
Damian Lillard @Dame_Lillard
Dame D.O.L.L.A. – Him Duncan (Official Video) youtu.be/bGxMJLPFAS4 via @YouTube – 2:08 PM

More on this storyline

The group focused first on Lillard and Beal, but with no viable path to trading for either of them, turned their attention to more realistic targets: Westbrook, DeRozan, Hield and Kyle Lowry, who would eventually pursue a deal with the Miami Heat instead. -via The Athletic / September 27, 2021
There are many who believed then and continue to insist now that Damian Lillard was about ready to ask out; a source with knowledge of the situation believes Lillard is held back by both his loyalty to Portland and an unwillingness to go back on things he’s already said about sticking things out. He ultimately decided to give this another go, and Lillard has been provided roster upgrades and had a big voice in the coaching search. He may still ask out down the road, but only time will tell how long this honeymoon lasts. -via Philly Voice / September 22, 2021
Damian Lillard: Back for more… #RipCity is my city -via Instagram / September 8, 2021

James Harden: I want to be in Brooklyn for the rest of my career

Ben Rohrbach: James Harden preaches patience on a potential contract extension with the Nets: “I want to know I’m in the right mindset and know for sure I want to be in Brooklyn, ultimately, for the rest of my career.” Source: Twitter @brohrbach …

Ben Rohrbach: James Harden preaches patience on a potential contract extension with the Nets: “I want to know I’m in the right mindset and know for sure I want to be in Brooklyn, ultimately, for the rest of my career.”

Source: Twitter @brohrbach

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Interesting: First Kevin Durant, then James Harden. Now Cam Thomas and Sekou Doumbouya talking to media. – 10:31 AM
Tina Cervasio @TinaCervasio
James Harden always has the most thorough answers! But my favorite so far, short & direct. Asked if “scary times” will still be tram mantra: … “Even Scarier!!” 😱 🏀
#BrooklynTogether
First quote of many. Cont … 1/4 pic.twitter.com/uci2sjje0a – 10:31 AM

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Asked if it’s still scary hours, James Harden said, “It’s even scarier just the pieces we have added to the team… for us it’s even more confidence.” – 10:31 AM
Brian Mahoney @briancmahoney
James Harden blames himself for not having the right mindset last season and being prepared physically. Says that will be different this season. – 10:31 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“For me it’s trying to be MVP every year.”
⁃James Harden on his personal goal this season. – 10:30 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked if the Nets have a target on their backs, James Harden points out the Bucks won the title and the conference goes through them. – 10:30 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
James Harden: “We’re not the target. The defending champions are the target. They won last year. We’re trying to catch them.
“The Milwaukee Bucks won the championship last year so they should be the targets and the ones to be dethroned. ” – 10:30 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“We’re trying to catch them.”
⁃James Harden on the Milwaukee Bucks. – 10:29 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked about his favorite album of the summer, James Harden says Lil Baby and Lil Durk’s ,Voice of the Heroes, “because I executed produced it.” Good business plug there. – 10:28 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
James Harden with a humble brag, saying his favorite piece of music this year was “Voice of the heroes by Lil Baby & Lil Durk, just because I executive produced it.” – 10:28 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
James Harden says,
“Music and basketball or sports go hand in hand so we kind of need that motivation.” – 10:28 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“It’s even scarier. It’s even scarier man.”
⁃James Harden on Scary Hours being back. – 10:27 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
Asked about scary hours, Harden says, “It’s even scarier this year” with the additions to the team. – 10:27 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked about scary hours and if they’re still to come, James Harden says “It’s even scarier now.” – 10:27 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
James Harden says “it’s even scarier” hours approaching this season. – 10:27 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“I fell short a couple of times but that won’t stop me, that can’t stop me.”
⁃James Harden on not having a championship on his resume. – 10:26 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Asked about Kyrie Irving’s vaccination status, James Harden says he will let the media talk to Irving and listen to what he will say before adding that Kyrie is a huge part of what the Nets are trying to do. – 10:25 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
James Harden says,
“It’s not about anybody else but us — We’re not worried about anybody else.” – 10:25 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“This year is going to be a different story.”
⁃James Harden on getting eliminated by the Milwaukee Bucks last season. – 10:24 AM
Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
James Harden said he would let Kyrie Irving speak later today for himself. He did offer, “Obviously, Kai is a huge part of what we want to do, so …” – 10:23 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
James Harden also says,
“I kind of blame myself for last year — Usually I’m very very durable.” – 10:22 AM
Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
James Harden punts on a question on Kyrie Irving, saying he will let the media ask Kyrie himself. “Obviously Kyrie is a huge part of what we do.” – 10:21 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
James Harden on Kyrie not being here:
“I’ll let you guys listen to what he has to say about that.
Obviously Ky is a huge part of what we’re trying to do.” – 10:21 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
James Harden asked about Kyrie Irving’s status, said he’ll defer to Irving when we speak to him and hear what he has to say. Adds Irving is obviously a big piece to the Nets. – 10:21 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
James Harden says,
“It’s not about the money for me. I’ve been on enough teams where we fell short — You win a championship in New York, the money will come.” – 10:21 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked about waiting to sign an extension and getting more money if he waits a year, Harden said it’s not about the money. – 10:21 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
James Harden on championship or bust expectations: “I think the entire organization feels that way.” #Nets – 10:20 AM
Ben Rohrbach @brohrbach
James Harden preaches patience on a potential contract extension with the Nets: “I want to know I’m in the right mindset and know for sure I want to be in Brooklyn, ultimately, for the rest of my career.” – 10:20 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
James Harden on an extension:
“I’m just taking my time. I’m focused on trying to bring a Championship to the city
As far as an extension, I’m just being patient with it….
Ultimately I want to be in Brooklyn for the rest of my career.” – 10:19 AM
Barbara Barker @meanbarb
harden says there is no rush with his contract extension. “I’m taking my time.” pic.twitter.com/2TqsU3kZzH – 10:19 AM

Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
“I’m taking my time. I’m focused on trying bring a championship to this city — Long term I want to be in Brooklyn for the rest of my career.”
⁃James Harden on signing a contract extension before the season starts. – 10:19 AM
Brian Lewis @NYPost_Lewis
James Harden on when or if he’ll sign a #Nets extension: “I’m just being patient with it. Making sure I’m in the right mindset with it.” – 10:19 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Asked about a contract extension, James Harden says he’s taking his time and is trying to bring a championship to the city. In his mind, there’s no rush. – 10:19 AM
Michael Scotto @MikeAScotto
James Harden on his hamstring: “I’m 100 percent. I’m back.” pic.twitter.com/MP8oMcYm2I – 10:18 AM

Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
James Harden says he’s “100 percent’ healthy after the hamstring injury – 10:17 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
James Harden say he feels 100 percent with the hamstring. – 10:17 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
James Harden on his hamstring: “A hundred percent, I’m back which I feel great about that.” – 10:17 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
James Harden says,
“I’m 100%. I’m back.” – 10:17 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
James Harden says the Nets’ entire roster improved with more experience. “And honestly we have a full year together… now we got a full training camp and a full year to get better. That is the most fun and exciting part about it.” – 10:16 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
James Harden says “It’s nice to see you guys in person.” Ditto. – 10:16 AM
Ajayi Browne @ajayibrowne
James Harden says,
“Our entire roster improved in a sense of we have more experience.” – 10:16 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
That’s it for Kevin Durant. James Harden is next. – 10:15 AM
Adam Zagoria @AdamZagoria
KD on potential extensions for Harden and Irving:
“We all 3 talked about playing together for a long time but their situation is going to happen on their time and when they want it to happen” – 10:04 AM
Alex Schiffer @Alex__Schiffer
Durant on his extension: “I wanted to be here. We’ve all talked about being here long term.” Said Irving and Harden’s situations will happen on their own time. – 10:04 AM

More on this storyline

Brian Lewis: Harden: “Its not about the money for me…My mindset, my goal is to make sure we’re able to build the team…You win a championship in New York, the money will come.” -via Twitter @NYPost_Lewis / September 27, 2021
Brian Lewis: KD on whether inking long-term will help convince Kyrie Irving and James Harden to do the same: “We all three talked about playing here for a long time but their situations will happen on their time and we all respect that.” #Nets #NBA -via Twitter @NYPost_Lewis / September 27, 2021