Brooklyn Nets

The current iteration of the Brooklyn Nets has been at the center of intense scrutiny and plenty of turmoil, though Ben Simmons is trying to focus on his love for basketball rather than everything else that accompanies life in the NBA.

"I love the game. Do I like all the bulls--t around it? No," he told reporters on Tuesday. "But I love the game and it comes with it. ... It is what it is. I love playing basketball and I love to work. Not every day's gonna be perfect. Everyone has down days; but that's life."

Simmons, in particular, said that he didn't want to let his own adversity—such as the mental health issues and back injury that kept him out of action for all of last season, or his struggles to start the 2022-23 campaign—rob him of the joy of playing.

"It's a roller coaster. You have good days. You have bad days,” he told reporters. "But it's life, too. So you've just got to stick with it."

The 26-year-old Simmons has had a tough return to the court, fouling out of two of his first three games of the season while dealing with a knee injury that's kept him off the court for six games.

His lack of offensive aggression—he's averaging just 5.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 5.9 assists and just five shots attempts per game—and his inability to space the floor have been issues for the Nets, and interim head coach Jacque Vaughn has opted against starting Simmons with center Nic Claxton, another non-shooter.

"It's tough because he's such a talented player. How do you correct it? That's a psychological issue. Forget about basketball." #Nets

-@JimJackson419 discusses what's gone wrong with Ben Simmons

Jim's full appearance: https://t.co/v07N4Y1XSs pic.twitter.com/SJN0QAXqoU

— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) November 15, 2022

Instead, Simmons has been coming off the bench for the Nets, a disappointing outcome for a player who's supposed to be the third star behind Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. That has set Simmons up for criticism from fans and pundits, though he's trying to tune out the external noise.

"Yeah, I don't think you could fully shut it out," he said. "It's one of those things where you take certain things, certain information. But at the same time, I know who I'm going to listen to and talk to. And then on top of that, it's day by day: Everyone's going to have certain expectations of me. Obviously mine are probably higher than everyone else's, which they should be. But I know it's going take time to get back to where I was. And I’m OK with that."

It's less ideal for the Nets, who have started 6-8 amidst Simmons' struggles and yet another Irving controversy. But the power forward is trying to take the adversity in stride.

Kyrie Irving's team-issued suspension will continue through at least Tuesday's game against the Sacramento Kings.

ESPN's Nick Friedell reported the Brooklyn Nets said the point guard will miss his seventh consecutive game.

Brooklyn initially suspended him on Nov. 3 because he promoted an antisemitic film on his social media accounts and then failed to disavow antisemitism on multiple occasions in the aftermath.

The Nets also generated a list of things Irving had to accomplish before he could return to the court:

Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:

- Apologize/condemn movie
- $500K donation to anti-hate causes
- Sensitivity training
- Antisemitic training
- Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders
- Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2022

It is notable he will not play Tuesday, considering Marc Stein reported "word is Irving is itching to get back on the floor and there have been rumbles for days that the National Basketball Players Association, at some stage, could move to file a grievance on Irving's behalf if the various parties involved can't reach a resolution on a return timetable."

Whether a grievance is eventually filed remains to be seen, but Irving met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who said the Duke product isn't antisemitic.

Nets governor Joe Tsai also tweeted that "it's clear" the point guard "does not have any beliefs of hate towards Jewish people or any group" after a meeting, adding the two sides will continue "working constructively toward a process of forgiveness, healing and education."

Brooklyn was just 2-6 on the season in eight games with Irving at the time of the suspension.

Since the punishment, the team is 4-2 with him sidelined. While it still remains on the outside of the early Eastern Conference playoff picture at 6-8 overall, it has taken strides on the floor without the seven-time All-Star.

Kyrie Irving has not yet been reinstated by the Brooklyn Nets, which could lead to an intervention from the players' union, according to NBA reporter Marc Stein.

"Word is Irving is itching to get back on the floor and there have been rumbles for days that the National Basketball Players Association, at some stage, could move to file a grievance on Irving's behalf if the various parties involved can’t reach a resolution on a return timetable," Stein wrote.

Irving was suspended by the team for a minimum of five games for his failure to disavow antisemitism after sharing an antisemitic film on social media. The Nets also provided a list of tasks for the veteran guard before he can return to the team:

Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:

- Apologize/condemn movie
- $500K donation to anti-hate causes
- Sensitivity training
- Antisemitic training
- Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders
- Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2022

Irving has now been out for six games, with head coach Jacque Vaughn confirming that the guard would not return for last Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Irving met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who said he had a "direct and candid conversation" with the player. He also met with team governor Joe Tsai.

Clara and I met with Kyrie and his family yesterday. We spent quality time to understand each other and it’s clear to me that Kyrie does not have any beliefs of hate towards Jewish people or any group.

— Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) November 11, 2022

The 30-year-old still has yet to return to the team, which could lead to action from the NBPA.

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, the NBPA's vice president, told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe last week that he believed the steps to return were too harsh:

He made a mistake. He posted something. There was no distinction. Maybe we can move forward, but the terms in which he has to fulfill to return, I think not just speaking for me, speaking as a vice president from a lot of our players, we didn’t agree with the terms that was required for him to come back and we’re waiting for this Tuesday meeting to happen to see what comes of it.

NBPA president CJ McCollum had said it was important that Irving apologized and hoped it could be a "learning experience."

The players association will keep a close eye on the situation as the seven-time All-Star looks to return to the floor.

Rumors are beginning to swirl once again that the Brooklyn Nets could end up trading star forward Kevin Durant, and a rival Eastern Conference contender is reportedly interested in acquiring him.

Per Sean Deveney of Heavy.com (h/t Thomas Darro), an NBA executive believes the Philadelphia 76ers have inquired with the Nets about Durant's availability and will continue to be aggressive in their pursuit of the 12-time All-Star.

"There is no doubt the Sixers have asked on Durant, they did in the summer, and will keep asking about him," the executive said.

The executive noted that the recent history between the two teams could create some hesitancy by the Nets. Last season's blockbuster trade involving Ben Simmons and James Harden hasn't worked out at all for Brooklyn, which could rule Philadelphia out of the Durant sweepstakes.

"The Nets are going to be a little put off by them already because of the Ben Simmons thing, because they feel like they were set up to give away James Harden all along," the executive said. "So the Sixers burned them once. Do the Nets want to go back and say, 'OK, sure, we’ll do a KD deal, too.'"

The Sixers have a strong combination of young players to offer the Nets, as the executive believes a package of Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle would be enticing because Brooklyn "might not get a better young player" than Maxey in a deal for Durant. However, Philadelphia isn't able to offer any draft picks in a trade right now, which would likely cause Brooklyn to pass on the package of players.

Darro noted that the possibility of a deal for Durant will increase as more players become trade-eligible closer to the trade deadline in February. Many believe the team is looking to move on from point guard Kyrie Irving following his suspension for posting a link to an antisemitic film on social media, and parting ways with Durant as well would be a complete reset for the franchise.

The Nets (6-7) will go for their third straight win when they face the Los Angeles Lakers (2-10) on Sunday night.

The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 110-95 on Saturday at Crypto.com Arena for their fourth win in their last five games to move to 6-7 on the season.

Despite getting into foul trouble in the third quarter, Kevin Durant was a significant factor in lifting Brooklyn to victory. The four-time scoring champion finished with 27 points, six rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks in 35 minutes. He made 10 of 16 shots from the floor and three of five shots from deep.

In addition to Durant, Seth Curry put together his second consecutive game with 20-plus points off the bench, finishing with 22 points, three rebounds and three assists in 28 minutes. He made nine of 15 shots from the floor and four of eight attempts from deep.

While Curry appears to be getting into a groove, it was still Durant that was given much of the praise by NBA fans on Twitter:

KD continues to remind those that just say “ he’s a great scorer “ of his all around brilliance!

— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) November 12, 2022

KD is everywhere. Some of the best all-around play I’ve seen from him as a Net.

— Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) November 12, 2022

I feel like KD not getting enough credit for what he's doing with the Nets right now on the court.

— Rod (@rodimusprime) November 12, 2022

Kevin Durant is the 1st player to begin a season with 13 straight 25-point games since Michael Jordan began the 1988-89 season with 16 straight. pic.twitter.com/aV16eNZCvZ

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 12, 2022

Kevin Durant is having an impact on every facet of the game and they’ve got shooters and emerging young players.

— Robin Lundberg (@robinlundberg) November 12, 2022

Kevin Durant's defense around the rim today has been excellent. Has a pair of blocks and just broke up another pass.

— Alex Schiffer (@Alex__Schiffer) November 12, 2022

This might be a KD MVP year…

— Tri Nohbi (@trinohbi) November 12, 2022

KD is cooking everyone

— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) November 12, 2022

I’ll never take Kevin Durant for granted

— Tucker (@SportingLogical) November 12, 2022

I really like this Nets team as is. They're way more locked in on defense, the supporting cast is delivering, Kevin Durant is delivering as Kevin Durant does, and new head coach Jacque Vaughn seems to have found something with this group. This will be a great team this year.

— Bernard Oliver (@boliver36) November 12, 2022

Durant has been on a tear this season. He entered Saturday's game averaging 30.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.9 blocks in 12 games while shooting 51.9 percent from the floor and 32.2 percent from deep.

The Nets are now 4-1 in Kyrie Irving's absence. The veteran point guard was suspended at least five games by the Nets after initially failing to condemn and apologize for posting a link to an antisemitic film on his social media accounts in October.

Brooklyn Nets governor Joe Tsai said Friday that he met with guard Kyrie Irving amid his suspension for promoting a movie on social media that includes antisemitic viewpoints.

Tsai tweeted that it's "clear" Irving doesn't have any hatred toward Jewish people and that he, Irving, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association are working toward "a process of forgiveness, healing and education."

The Nets and Kyrie, together with the NBA and NBPA, are working constructively toward a process of forgiveness, healing and education.

— Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) November 11, 2022

The NBPA seconded Tsai regarding a plan to achieve "forgiveness, understanding and healing" for Irving and everyone involved:

We have been working closely with Kyrie, the Nets organization and the NBA to develop a plan to move forward through forgiveness, understanding and healing. https://t.co/KQ0Dn2BPNO

— NBPA (@TheNBPA) November 11, 2022

Irving initially didn't apologize when asked by the media about tweeting the link, which led the Nets to suspend him for at least five games.

In a statement, the Nets said they were "dismayed" Irving "refused to unequivocally say he has no antisemitic beliefs, nor acknowledge specific hateful material in the film."

Irving eventually apologized in an Instagram post, calling the antisemitic narratives in the movie "false."

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported that the Nets laid out six steps Irving would have to go through in order to be reinstated:

Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:

- Apologize/condemn movie
- $500K donation to anti-hate causes
- Sensitivity training
- Antisemitic training
- Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders
- Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2022

Among the steps was to meet with Tsai and "demonstrate understanding" for why he was wrong.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who is Jewish, told Sopan Deb of the New York Times on Thursday that he met with Irving and doesn't believe he is antisemitic, though Silver added, "Whether or not he is antisemitic is not relevant to the damage caused by the posting of hateful content."

The 30-year-old Irving has served four games of his suspension, meaning he could be in line to rejoin the team for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers after sitting for a fifth consecutive game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.

Aside from Kevin Durant, Irving is the Nets' most important player, and he has been productive this season, averaging 26.9 points, 5.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 2.6 three-pointers made, 1.4 steals and 1.1 blocks in eight games.

If and when Irving does return, it should provide a huge boost to a 5-7 Nets team that is looking to get back on track and into championship contention.

Even though Kyrie Irving's suspension could end after Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, there's reportedly still uncertainty over when he will return to the court.

Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, there is "skepticism Irving will be in position to return" for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers or Tuesday's matchup with the Sacramento Kings.

Nets players Royce O'Neale and Nic Claxton told reporters Friday they have been in contact with Irving but could not say if he will rejoin the team this weekend:

Nic Claxton said he’s also been in contact with Kyrie — and says he’s “in great spirits.” Does Claxton think Kyrie will play on this road trip? “I have no idea.”

— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) November 11, 2022

Nets governor Joe Tsai tweeted he and his wife, Clara, met with Irving on Thursday and wrote it was clear the seven-time All-Star "does not have any beliefs of hate towards Jewish people or any group."

In an interview with Sopan Deb of the New York Times, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he met with Irving at the league offices earlier this week.

"We had a direct and candid conversation," Silver said. "He’s someone I’ve known for a decade, and I’ve never heard an antisemitic word from him or, frankly, hate directed at any group."

Silver did tell Deb in a follow-up conversation over the phone that whether Irving is antisemitic is "not relevant to the damage caused by the posting of hateful content."

The Nets announced on Nov. 3 that Irving was being suspended for at least five games. The decision came after he tweeted a link to a documentary that contains antisemitic tropes.

In the wake of criticism about his post on Twitter, Irving did not apologize and refused to give a definitive answer when asked if he had antisemitic beliefs.

Kyrie Irving says he didn't mean to cause any harm in sharing a post to a film that has been described as anti-Semitic:

"I'm not the one that made the documentary" pic.twitter.com/NkRvZDoqbS

— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) November 3, 2022

After the Nets announced Irving's suspension, he issued an apology on Instagram:

"While doing research on YHWH, I posted a Documentary that contained some false anti-Semitic statements, narratives, and language that were untrue and offensive to the Jewish Race/Religion, and I take full accountability and responsibly for my actions. I am grateful to have a big platform to share knowledge and I want to move forward by having an open dialogue to learn more and grow from this.

"To All Jewish families and Communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize. I initially reacted out of emotion to being unjustly labeled Anti-Semitic, instead of focusing on the healing process of my Jewish Brothers and Sisters that were hurt from the hateful remarks made in the Documentary. I want to clarify any confusion on where I stand fighting against Anti- semticism by apologizing for posting the documentary without context and a factual explanation outlining the specific beliefs in the Documentary I agreed with and disagreed with. I had no intentions to disrespect any Jewish cultural history regarding the Holocaust or perpetuate any hate. I am learning from this unfortunate event and hope we can find understanding between us all. I am no different than any other human being. I am a seeker of truth and knowledge, and I know who I Am."

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, the Nets have given Irving a list of six requirements he must meet before he will be allowed to return:

Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:

- Apologize/condemn movie
- $500K donation to anti-hate causes
- Sensitivity training
- Antisemitic training
- Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders
- Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2022

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown, who is also vice president of the National Basketball Players Association, told Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe the union is expected to appeal Irving's suspension.

"The terms, etc., that went into his return. The terms for his return, they seem like a lot, and a lot of the players expressed discomfort with the terms," Brown said.

On Thursday, LeBron James tweeted he thinks what's being asked of Irving to get back on the court is "excessive" and "he should be able to play" after apologizing.

Irving is in the final season of his contract with the Nets. The 30-year-old started each of the team's first eight games prior to being suspended.

As Kyrie Irving's status with the Brooklyn Nets remains uncertain, his partnership with Nike could be coming to an end.

During an appearance on CNBC that aired Thursday (h/t the Associated Press), Nike co-founder Phil Knight said it's unlikely the company will keep its working relationship with Irving.

"I would doubt that we go back," Knight explained. "But I don't know for sure."

Nike announced last week it suspended its relationship with Irving and canceled the scheduled release of his new signature shoe that was scheduled to launch on Nov. 11.

The decision comes amid the fallout from Irving's promotion of a movie containing antisemitic ideas.

Despite being given multiple opportunities, Irving refused to apologize in the immediate aftermath. Speaking to reporters Nov. 3, Irving refused to say sorry or say definitively he didn't have antisemitic beliefs.

Kyrie Irving says he didn't mean to cause any harm in sharing a post to a film that has been described as anti-Semitic:

"I'm not the one that made the documentary" pic.twitter.com/NkRvZDoqbS

— Nets Videos (@SNYNets) November 3, 2022

After Irving's press conference, the Nets announced they were suspending the seven-time All-Star for at least five games and that he won't be reinstated until he "satisfies a series of objective remedial measures" to address the negative impact caused by his conduct.

Following the suspension announcement, Irving issued an apology on Instagram:

Kyrie Irving issues an apology amid antisemitism controversy that led to his suspension by Nets: “To all Jewish families and communities that are hurt and affected from my post, I am deeply sorry to have caused you pain, and I apologize.” pic.twitter.com/QUXt1WtK2g

— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) November 4, 2022

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported a list of six things the Nets are requiring Irving to complete before considering reinstating him:

Sources: Nets have delivered Kyrie Irving six items he must complete to return to team:

- Apologize/condemn movie
- $500K donation to anti-hate causes
- Sensitivity training
- Antisemitic training
- Meet with ADL, Jewish leaders
- Meet with Joe Tsai to demonstrate understanding

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 6, 2022

Charania reported Irving and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver met in person Tuesday.

Per ESPN's Nick Friedell, Irving's contact with Nike was set to expire Oct. 1, 2023. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne reported in May the sports apparel giant was "unlikely" to renew its deal with the Nets guard.

Irving signed with Nike in 2011, the same year he was the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. His first signature shoe was released in 2014.

If Jacque Vaughn's first game as head coach without an interim title attached is any indication, there are good things ahead for the Brooklyn Nets.

Brooklyn cruised to a 112-85 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday at Barclays Center and improved to 5-7 on the season. Kyrie Irving missed the game because he is still suspended for promoting an antisemitic film on his social media accounts, but Kevin Durant provided more than enough star power to emerge with a win.

The 12-time All-Star spearheaded the effort with a triple-double of 29 points, 12 assists, 12 rebounds and two blocks. He came out on fire as both a scorer and facilitator, and the home team never looked back.

Social media had nothing but praise for the team's overall effort:

Nets just playing beautiful basketball right now

— kuz (@kylekuzma) November 10, 2022

when you need a bucket, you know who to call pic.twitter.com/I1eXJlZ0dO

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 10, 2022

THIS SEQUENCE pic.twitter.com/pd6ogrmCAi

— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) November 10, 2022

Death, taxes, and the Nets beating the Knicks in the Kevin Durant era.

— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) November 10, 2022

One thing that has been fairly obvious throughout Kevin Durant's Brooklyn tenure:

He does not like the Knicks

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 10, 2022

Kevin Durant tonight:

29 Points
12 Rebounds
12 Assists
2 Blocks

MY 🌟 pic.twitter.com/hC88HFn3MT

— Brooklyn Netcast (@BrooklynNetcast) November 10, 2022

Kevin Durant making more history 🚨

KD (27 points) has scored 25+ points in each of the Nets' first 12 games of the season.

He's the first player to score 25+ points in a team's first 12+ games of a season since Michael Jordan (16 straight - 1988-89).

— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) November 10, 2022

One thing I've noticed over the years is that Kevin Durant loves playing against the Knicks. Seems like he really buys into the rivalry. It's fun.

— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) November 10, 2022

It's official: The Nets are a totally different team

— Doug Norrie (@DougNorrie) November 10, 2022

The Nets are generating good looks every time down the floor.

They’re creating advantages early in the possession, and then playing drive-and-kick until they get a good look.

— Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) November 10, 2022

https://twitter.com/RealCodyMallory/status/1590512547295526915

While Durant was the star, it was far from a solo effort.

Edmond Sumner's initial outside shooting helped set the tone, and Seth Curry's smooth stroke from beyond the arc was responsible for six three-pointers. He and Ben Simmons provided a spark off the bench, with the latter impacting the game by creating multiple turnovers and battling for boards even though he is largely an afterthought as a scorer.

The role players were key in keeping the Knicks at bay after the Nets dominated from the start while building a 25-point halftime lead, but Durant was the main story with everything running through him.

The scoring is always there for the future Hall of Famer, but his ability to find open teammates when the Knicks collapsed on him added another dimension to the offense and took the pressure off others.

He and the Nets will look to keep things rolling on the road when they face the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.

Wally Szczerbiak, a former NBA player and current New York Knicks analyst on MSG Network, is not a big fan of Brooklyn Nets power forward Ben Simmons.

"Most overrated player is Ben Simmons. It's not even close," he said on MSG Network Monday night (h/t Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News). "The guy couldn't even play in the playoffs two years ago. Then he was scared to get on the court all of last year. The guy is scared to shoot. He's the first pick in the NBA draft and you can't even get him on the basketball floor."

Szczerbiak wasn't done there.

"He's supposed to be a good defender," he continued. "He was playing for the Nets and they were giving up 125 points per game and they got their coach [Steve Nash] fired because they couldn't stop anybody. Simmons is so overrated you can't even put him in the game anymore. It's a little bit of a shame."

It's been a struggle for Simmons in his first on-court action for the Nets this season.

He fouled out of two of his first three games. Left knee soreness kept him out of four games. His return from that injury on Monday night didn't go well, as he posted only two points, three rebounds, two assists and one steal in 16 minutes in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks, while Luka Doncic went off for 36 points.

"I'm my harshest critic, so I think terrible," Simmons told reporters when asked to assess his performance. "There's a place I want to get to. I got to keep working, I got to keep pushing myself and adapting, so I'll get there."

Overall this season, Simmons is averaging only 5.6 points on 5.3 shots per game. Offensive aggression has been an issue for him throughout his career, but in Brooklyn, he's taking less than half his career average in shots per game (11.4).

In most years and for most organizations, Simmons' struggles would be the primary storyline. On these Nets, the firing of head coach Steve Nash and Kyrie Irving's ongoing suspension have overshadowed him. As the season progresses, however, Simmons' struggles will become a greater worry if they persist.

Simmons is supposed to be the Nets' third star behind Kevin Durant and Irving. While he deserves some benefit of the doubt since he missed the entire 2021-22 season, he hasn't looked like anything closely resembling a star yet this year.