WASHINGTON — James Harden is out, Ben Simmons is in. And everyone bought what they wished.
Within the aftermath of Thursday’s megadeal that shook up not simply Brooklyn and Philadelphia, but in addition the NBA panorama, Nets star Kevin Durant stated he’s fired-up for what his post-Harden squad goes to appear like.
“I’m excited for our group,” Durant stated Thursday night time on TNT. “Wanting ahead to ending the season out with this new group and these new gamers. The playoffs are proper across the nook; we’ve bought to fast-track into getting used to one another. However I’m excited. I feel everyone bought what they wished.”
Simmons had been holding out because the begin of the season after demanding a commerce away from Philadelphia, citing psychological well being points. Harden had been disgruntled behind the scenes, and lots of within the Nets group had taken word.
After Nets GM Sean Marks had given up Jarrett Allen, Caris LeVert, three first-round picks and 4 choose swaps to get Harden from the Rockets in January 2021, he had the specter of the All-Star leaving in free company this summer time hanging over his head just like the Sword of Damocles. So Marks swung first.
He introduced again two first-round picks, shooter Seth Curry — who performed at Duke with Kyrie Irving — and middle Andre Drummond, nonetheless one of many league’s greatest rebounders. However the centerpiece is Simmons, who will outline the commerce — and, by default, Marks’ tenure.
“We bought higher. And I’m excited to get these guys with us and simply transfer ahead,” stated Blake Griffin, who referred to as his former Pistons teammate Drummond a “monster” on the boards and agreed everyone bought what they wished.
“Clearly I feel Ben was achieved there, you'll be able to see that from not enjoying. … So far as us, we positively bought what we wished: Guys that wish to be right here and guys who wish to come on and play. I feel we’re enthusiastic about that.”
A 3-time All-Star, Simmons continues to be simply 25 years previous, seven years youthful than Harden. Simmons is beneath contract via 2024-25, so his deal matches up with Durant’s — and doubtlessly Irving’s, if he re-signs.
Simmons is a singular participant, for higher or worse. The 2017-18 rookie of the 12 months has averaged 15.9 factors, 8.1 boards and seven.7 assists in his profession, is a strolling triple-double and a lock-down, game-wrecking defender.
However he has shot simply 14.7 % from deep, 59.7 % from the road and appeared afraid to shoot from both within the playoffs. The Nets must hope with Durant, Irving, Curry, Joe Harris and Patty Mills, they are going to be suited to masks Simmons’ offensive failings and intensify his positives.
Whereas Simmons has been figuring out on his personal, that’s not the identical as NBA sport velocity. There's a feeling he’d want a pair weeks to prepare.
“We’ve set to work to do to get him again to play, nevertheless it’s a fantastic step in the fitting path,” Simmons’ agent, Wealthy Paul, informed ESPN.
Durant, Marks and Mills have all spoken to Simmons, who is predicted to maintain working along with his therapist to get mentally able to play, in keeping with ESPN.
Mills, shut with Simmons from their days in Australia, says he’ll assist him settle in.
“He’s in a extremely good place proper now, talking to him a good bit currently and seeing what he’s been as much as by way of staying prepared and getting his physique proper and getting sport prepared,” Mills stated. “So it was good and pleasing for me to see and really feel the place he’s at. From that standpoint, you get a extremely hungry one who’s trying ahead to enjoying basketball once more, and particularly with our group.
“I’ve bought his again. I’ve all the time had his again. And now I've the chance to be with him. … So I’m excited to have the ability to be with him on this side, and assist him in any manner needed. That’s the way it’s all the time sort of been. However on the finish of the day, I’m excited for this. And I do know he's as effectively.”
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