Inside the Ben Simmons and Nets saga and what’s next for the All-Star and franchise
2 years, 7 months ago

Inside the Ben Simmons and Nets saga and what’s next for the All-Star and franchise

New York Times  

The Brooklyn Nets’ roller-coaster season ended in surprising fashion Monday night, a sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics. One of the Nets’ biggest questions of the offseason is can they work three-time NBA All-Star Ben Simmons back onto the floor — healthy in body and mind. With the Nets facing elimination on Monday in Game 4 against the Celtics, Simmons pulled himself from his expected season debut, with sources saying he informed team officials on Sunday that his back felt sore. For Nets players, the confusion was not centered around Simmons’ ailment, but with the perceived lack of attempt to play, effort to be in uniform and push his body in these high-stakes playoffs, sources said. On Sunday, Nash was asked about the pros and cons of playing Simmons at that stage of the season, given Brooklyn’s situation, and said the decision to play Simmons ultimately lies with the man himself.

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History of this topic

Nets coach Jordi Fernandez eyes early success and a rare lasting stay in Brooklyn
7 months, 4 weeks ago

Nets coach Jordi Fernandez eyes early success and a rare lasting stay in Brooklyn

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden weren’t the only ones who didn’t stick around long in Brooklyn. “I think something that separates Jordi from a lot of the candidates, we found that he could look at a developmental roster, he could do various different pathways,” general manager Sean Marks said. With those players all traded, the …

Nets hire Jordi Fernandez as coach. Fernandez was Kings’ associate head coach for two years
8 months ago

Nets hire Jordi Fernandez as coach. Fernandez was Kings’ associate head coach for two years

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Jordi Fernandez was hired Monday as coach of the Brooklyn Nets, who are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs for the first time in six years. Fernandez spent the last two seasons as associate head coach of the Sacramento Kings, helping them win the Pacific Division title last year and reach the playoffs for the …

Ben Simmons has another back surgery. The Nets say he is expected to be ready for training camp
9 months, 1 week ago

Ben Simmons has another back surgery. The Nets say he is expected to be ready for training camp

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Ben Simmons has had back surgery for the second time in three years, with he and the Brooklyn Nets hoping this procedure will provide the relief he needs to complete a full season. The Nets said Simmons had a microscopic partial discectomy on Thursday to alleviate the pinched nerve in his lower back. 1 pick in the …

Ben Simmons will miss the rest of the Brooklyn Nets’ season because of his back problems
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Ben Simmons will miss the rest of the Brooklyn Nets’ season because of his back problems

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Ben Simmons will miss the remainder of the season, the third straight year the former All-Star’s season has ended early because of back problems. The Brooklyn Nets said Thursday that Simmons will use the rest of this season to consult with specialists and seek treatment options for the pinched nerve in his lower back that has sidelined …

Ben Simmons just misses triple-double in return, Nets romp to 147-114 victory over Jazz
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Ben Simmons just misses triple-double in return, Nets romp to 147-114 victory over Jazz

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Ben Simmons was just a few seconds into his return from a 38-game absence when he got the ball and led the Brooklyn Nets on a fast break. Simmons had 10 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds, Mikal Bridges added 33 points and the Nets routed the Utah Jazz 147-114 on Monday night. “Plain and simple.” Simmons …

Ben Simmons sidelined at least 2 more weeks with back issue: What’s next for the Nets point guard
1 year ago

Ben Simmons sidelined at least 2 more weeks with back issue: What’s next for the Nets point guard

New York Times  

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons will miss at least two more weeks after receiving an epidural injection for his lower back issue, the team said Saturday. Nets say Ben Simmons received an epidural injection to aid in recovery from lower back and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. — Shams Charania December 2, 2023 The Nets said Simmons “will continue …

NBA: Brooklyn Nets aren’t expecting Ben Simmons to return this season
1 year, 8 months ago

NBA: Brooklyn Nets aren’t expecting Ben Simmons to return this season

The Hindu  

The Brooklyn Nets is not expecting guard Ben Simmons to play again this season, though no final decision will be made until the three-time All-Star meets with a back specialist, coach Jacque Vaughn said Saturday. Saturday’s game at Miami marked the 16th in a row that Simmons has missed, and his 32nd absence in 74 Nets games this season. Simmons …

Vaughn eager to keep building Nets after landing new deal
1 year, 10 months ago

Vaughn eager to keep building Nets after landing new deal

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Jacque Vaughn was passed over the last time the Brooklyn Nets hired a coach. The Nets gave Vaughn a multiyear contact extension Tuesday, rewarding him for keeping the team in playoff position heading into the final stretch of a season that’s included the trades of All-Stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. “For me, I’m excited about the …

NBA: Brooklyn Nets gives coach Jacque Vaughn multiyear contract extension
1 year, 10 months ago

NBA: Brooklyn Nets gives coach Jacque Vaughn multiyear contract extension

The Hindu  

Jacque Vaughn, who has coached the Brooklyn Nets into playoff position despite the trades of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving during another turbulent season for the franchise, has agreed to a multiyear contract extension. Terms were not disclosed, though general manager Sean Marks said the Nets looked forward to Vaughn leading the team “for years to come.” “Jacque has made …

Nets give coach Jacque Vaughn multiyear contract extension
1 year, 10 months ago

Nets give coach Jacque Vaughn multiyear contract extension

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Jacque Vaughn, who has coached the Brooklyn Nets into playoff position despite the trades of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving during another turbulent season for the franchise, has agreed to a multiyear contract extension. Terms were not disclosed, though general manager Sean Marks said the Nets looked forward to Vaughn leading the team “for years to come.” …

Nets trade Kevin Durant to Suns, ending Brooklyn’s much-hyped hypothetical era
1 year, 10 months ago

Nets trade Kevin Durant to Suns, ending Brooklyn’s much-hyped hypothetical era

New York Times  

NEW YORK – And now, the Kevin Durant era is over in Brooklyn. “I’m just glad he got out of.” 🎥 @MarkG_Medinapic.twitter.com/SxPvUbpr5v — The Athletic February 9, 2023 Upon their arrival in 2019, Durant and Irving were handed the keys to the franchise, joining a group of players who bonded like a college team the season before and surprised everyone …

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving ruled out vs. Pacers: Who will fill in for Nets down 8 players?
2 years ago

Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving ruled out vs. Pacers: Who will fill in for Nets down 8 players?

New York Times  

The Nets ruled out eight players ahead of their game against the Pacers on Saturday, including Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. Here’s what you should know: Durant was ruled out due to injury management while Irving is listed as out with left adductor tightness. Seth Curry, Joe Harris, Ben Simmons and T.J. Warren were also ruled out due to injury …

Irving rejoins Nets, seeks to keep focus on basketball
2 years, 1 month ago

Irving rejoins Nets, seeks to keep focus on basketball

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Kyrie Irving apologized Sunday morning to anyone who felt threatened or hurt when he posted a link to a documentary with antisemitic material, clearing the way to finally play again for the Brooklyn Nets. “I’m just here to focus on the game,” Irving said after scoring 14 points in helping the Nets to a 127-115 victory over …

NBA: Kevin Durant believes Nets 'could have kept quiet' about Kyrie Irving
2 years, 1 month ago

NBA: Kevin Durant believes Nets 'could have kept quiet' about Kyrie Irving

Firstpost  

Kevin Durant said the team has the ability to tune out all the turbulence. Then Durant clarified on Twitter that he doesn’t condone hate speech and “is about spreading love always.” Durant spoke Friday at the Nets’ shootaround in Washington ahead of the evening’s game against the Wizards. Our game Unites people and I wanna make sure that’s at the …

Aldridge: Nets, grasping at straws, have many more problems than their head coach
2 years, 1 month ago

Aldridge: Nets, grasping at straws, have many more problems than their head coach

New York Times  

Editor’s Note: This story is included in The Athletic’s Best of 2022. GO DEEPER It's long past due for Kyrie Irving to be accountable for his actions: Koreen Were that letter writer around today, he’d be live-Tweeting his hate, and he’d quickly be backed up by a thousand likes, and he’d be on cable TV by the next morning, egged …

Why Nets moved on from Steve Nash so early in the season: ‘Because time is ticking’
2 years, 1 month ago

Why Nets moved on from Steve Nash so early in the season: ‘Because time is ticking’

New York Times  

NEW YORK – Kevin Durant woke up from a pregame nap on Tuesday, turned on ESPN and learned he would be playing for a new coach later that evening. “Because time is ticking.” Meeting with the media on Tuesday ahead of the game against the Bulls, Marks admitted the organization hasn’t won much on the court or in the public …

Vorkunov: The Nets and their latest tumult means another day, another scandal
2 years, 1 month ago

Vorkunov: The Nets and their latest tumult means another day, another scandal

New York Times  

NEW YORK — Sean Marks spent Tuesday talking about “unprecedented challenges.” Those were his words, his descriptor for all that Steve Nash had to endure in his two-plus seasons as the Nets head coach. The Nets are not the first franchise to keep pushing further in search of a championship, to take the “it’s worth it if it all works …

Steve Nash’s tenure with Brooklyn Nets was marred by challenges. Was it his fault?
2 years, 1 month ago

Steve Nash’s tenure with Brooklyn Nets was marred by challenges. Was it his fault?

New York Times  

NEW YORK — Shortly before their debut season together, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving mused that they didn’t need a coach. “I’ve gotten to know Steve during his time in Brooklyn, and he is not one to shy away from challenges,” Nets governor Joe Tsai said in the same release as Marks. We began this journey as colleagues, we part …

Ben Simmons fouls out, Kevin Durant makes history: 5 thoughts from Nets-Grizzlies
2 years, 1 month ago

Ben Simmons fouls out, Kevin Durant makes history: 5 thoughts from Nets-Grizzlies

New York Times  

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — With 5:39 left in the third quarter, Kevin Durant took a pass from Kyrie Irving, drove, spun and executed one of his signature turnaround jump shots to cut the Nets’ deficit to eight. In the third quarter, Durant, the Nets’ franchise player was nearly perfect, scoring 17 points on 7-for-8 shooting to keep the Nets within striking …

The Nets already have injuries. Can they avoid them defining the season?
2 years, 2 months ago

The Nets already have injuries. Can they avoid them defining the season?

New York Times  

It’s been the question that has followed Steve Nash and the Nets since the Hall of Fame point guard became head coach in 2020. But we’ll see how it goes.” Seth Curry running baselines at Nets’ practice Tuesday as he makes his way back from ankle surgery. At full strength, the Nets are built to keep Durant, Irving and Simmons’ …

Simmons, Kawhi, Jamal Murray back among NBA happy returns
2 years, 2 months ago

Simmons, Kawhi, Jamal Murray back among NBA happy returns

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Ben Simmons streaked behind the defense and caught a pass in transition that he dunked. Simmons played against his former club in his first NBA game since June 2021, making him among a number of big names who got back to basketball action. “So I had a lot of fun out there.” Kawhi Leonard also returned for …

NBA: Ben Simmons, Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray, Damian Lillard back among happy returns
2 years, 2 months ago

NBA: Ben Simmons, Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray, Damian Lillard back among happy returns

Firstpost  

Ben Simmons played against 76ers in his first game since June 2021, making him among a number of big names who got back to basketball action. Simmons played against his former club in his first NBA game since June 2021, making him among a number of big names who got back to basketball action. “As a fan of the game, …

Ben Simmons says Philadelphia 76ers unsupportive amid mental health struggle
2 years, 3 months ago

Ben Simmons says Philadelphia 76ers unsupportive amid mental health struggle

Firstpost  

Ben Simmons was devastated by the 76ers’ loss to the Hawks in the 2021 NBA playoffs and never reported to training camp the following season. Los Angeles: Australian NBA guard Ben Simmons said in a podcast posted Thursday that he didn’t feel supported by the Philadelphia 76ers as he dealt with mental health issues. Simmons was the 2018 NBA rookie …

Durant sticking with Nets after 'agreeing to move forward'
2 years, 3 months ago

Durant sticking with Nets after 'agreeing to move forward'

China Daily  

Kevin Durant, pictured during Game 4 of last season's Eastern Conference playoffs between Brooklyn and Boston, will remain with the Nets after holding talks with the club's management, the team said in a statement on Tuesday. The Nets said Tuesday that the team's leadership met a day earlier with Durant and business partner Rich Kleiman in Los Angeles and "agreed …

NBA: After Kevin Durant ultimatum, Brooklyn Nets owner backs Steve Nash, Sean Marks
2 years, 4 months ago

NBA: After Kevin Durant ultimatum, Brooklyn Nets owner backs Steve Nash, Sean Marks

Firstpost  

Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai backed head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks on Monday after reports of a them-or-me ultimatum from NBA superstar Kevin Durant New York: Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai backed head coach Steve Nash and general manager Sean Marks on Monday after reports of a them-or-me ultimatum from NBA superstar Kevin Durant. The 33-year-old …

A timeline of Kevin Durant’s Nets’ tenure: From arrival with Kyrie Irving to moving forward in Brooklyn
2 years, 4 months ago

A timeline of Kevin Durant’s Nets’ tenure: From arrival with Kyrie Irving to moving forward in Brooklyn

New York Times  

Editor’s note: This story was updated Aug. 23, 2022, to reflect news of Kevin Durant, Steve Nash, Sean Marks and Joe Tsai agreeing to “move forward with” their partnership in Brooklyn: Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai may need to change his name to Joe Sigh after the offseason he’s had. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the message from the …

Inside the Kyrie Irving-Nets negotiations and the future in Brooklyn
2 years, 5 months ago

Inside the Kyrie Irving-Nets negotiations and the future in Brooklyn

New York Times  

With the eyes of the basketball world on the Nets and their potential superstar breakup, Kyrie Irving put an end to the speculation on Monday. Irving’s agent, Shetellia Riley Irving, and the Nets front office held extensive and productive extension discussions over the past six days, with sources on both sides describing good-faith negotiations to reach a new deal. The …

Kyrie Irving’s status and four other factors hanging over the Nets as they try to escape the Play-In Tournament
2 years, 10 months ago

Kyrie Irving’s status and four other factors hanging over the Nets as they try to escape the Play-In Tournament

New York Times  

BROOKLYN — With just 23 games left in the regular season, the fate of the Nets’ season hinges on a few key elements. “I think he’s working towards being able to play in every game, so if the mandate is lifted, the expectation would be that he could play in all our games,” Nash said. “I think that’s what he’s …

‘We’ve seen enough:' Nets end Big 3 idea with Harden deal
2 years, 10 months ago

‘We’ve seen enough:' Nets end Big 3 idea with Harden deal

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Nets no longer needed to wait for Kevin Durant to get healthy, or for Kyrie Irving to get vaccinated, or for James Harden to make a decision about free agency. “If we realize this is not going to work, short-term or long-term, then it’s time to say for both parties involved, this is better off,” …

NBA: Brooklyn Nets trade James Harden to Philadelphia 76ers in deal for Ben Simmons, others
2 years, 10 months ago

NBA: Brooklyn Nets trade James Harden to Philadelphia 76ers in deal for Ben Simmons, others

Firstpost  

The blockbuster deal was the major move that teams and fans had awaited before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline. Three-time NBA scoring champion James Harden was traded by the Brooklyn Nets to the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal for Australian Ben Simmons and other players, the Nets said Thursday. “I’m excited for our team, looking forward to finishing the season out …

NBA power rankings for 2021-22 season
3 years, 2 months ago

NBA power rankings for 2021-22 season

LA Times  

Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, middle, gathers with guard James Harden and forward Kevin Durant during the second half of the team’s NBA basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, on Feb. 13. Milwaukee Bucks The NBA’s defending champions might have conquered their demons last season with comebacks against the Nets and Suns. Sports Complete coverage: NBA …

NBA: Ben Simmons drama drags on despite wantaway Sixers star returning to Philadelphia
3 years, 2 months ago

NBA: Ben Simmons drama drags on despite wantaway Sixers star returning to Philadelphia

Firstpost  

This much is known: Ben Simmons is back in Philadelphia. Even coach Doc Rivers — publicly, at least — says he’s unsure of the status of the trade demand, the latest wrinkle in the on-again-off-again relationship between Simmons and the Sixers. A rescinded request seems improbable, though Rivers said Simmons “was great, he was good” when the two met on …

As Ben Simmons holds out, the Sixers still hold out hope: ‘We expect him to be a 76er’
3 years, 2 months ago

As Ben Simmons holds out, the Sixers still hold out hope: ‘We expect him to be a 76er’

New York Times  

CAMDEN, N.J. — As the storyline of Ben Simmons’ basketball future continued to drag on throughout the summer, the prospect of the Sixers asking Simmons back to training camp increasingly came more into focus. But we have a lot of optimism that we can make it work here.” Morey said Simmons’ representation at Klutch Sports requested a trade at the …

Nets’ Sean Marks discusses Brooklyn’s busy offseason with big three extensions looming
3 years, 4 months ago

Nets’ Sean Marks discusses Brooklyn’s busy offseason with big three extensions looming

New York Times  

LAS VEGAS — Sean Marks isn’t the kind of executive to call his shot. “But I feel very confident that first day of training camp we’ll be looking at those three in particular, being signed, sealed, delivered and being a part of the Brooklyn Nets for a long time to come.” With the future of the franchise quickly coming into …

Ben Simmons' Philadelphia 76ers eliminated in NBA playoffs by Atlanta Hawks
3 years, 6 months ago

Ben Simmons' Philadelphia 76ers eliminated in NBA playoffs by Atlanta Hawks

ABC  

Ben Simmons's top-seeded Philadelphia 76ers have been knocked out of the NBA playoffs in just the second round by fifth-seed Atlanta Hawks, with the Aussie star's play coming under the microscope yet again. Key points: Ben Simmons's points per game mark of 10.7 was the eighth-highest figure across both teams in the series NBA veteran Jim Jackson said on the …

Nets hope to overcome Big Three’s lack of time vs Celtics
3 years, 7 months ago

Nets hope to overcome Big Three’s lack of time vs Celtics

Associated Press  

NEW YORK — Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving came together as free agents in 2019. The lack of time looms as a weakness on a team that doesn’t have many, one the Nets will hope to overcome starting Saturday in Game 1 of a first-round series against the Boston Celtics. We’re on to a new series so that’s kind of …

Reasons Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant will or won’t work on Nets already on display
4 years ago

Reasons Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant will or won’t work on Nets already on display

New York Times  

Though the sound is readily available, Steve Nash said he didn’t listen to what Kyrie Irving had to say about the Brooklyn Nets not “really having” a head coach. The line that made headlines from Irving was “I don’t really see us as having a head coach.” “KD could be a head coach,” Irving said. The “Nash segment” on Durant’s …

What other moves may be coming? What’s the answer at power forward? Nets mailbag
4 years ago

What other moves may be coming? What’s the answer at power forward? Nets mailbag

New York Times  

An early Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. Tying this into the power forward situation, I think Harris’ comments on Tuesday indicating the Nets could be positionless isn’t far off from what we might see. Durant was a good defender before his injury and could be the guy the Nets put on a team’s best player in crunch time if …

Brooklyn Nets signs Justin Anderson ahead of NBA restart
4 years, 5 months ago

Brooklyn Nets signs Justin Anderson ahead of NBA restart

The Hindu  

The Brooklyn Nets signed forward/guard Justin Anderson on Saturday for the remainder of the 2019-20 season. Anderson was already in the Orlando area during the week and under quarantine, which was required before he could enter the “bubble” environment the NBA has created for its upcoming season restart. READ| He also played in 31 G League games, split between the …

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