Kyle Neubeck: Joel Embiid, who does note the Sixers are better with Ben Simmons around, says today that report suggesting they’re not a fit together is “borderline disrespectful” to other guys on the team in a wide-ranging answer
Kyle Neubeck: Joel Embiid, who does note the Sixers are…
May 25, 2022 | 12:14 pm EDT Update
Nets unwilling to offer Kyrie Irving long-term extension
This is why, as I’ve already written, the Nets’ championship hopes hinge on an amicable solution with Kyrie Irving, whose personal decision not to get vaccinated and unpredictable injury history have left the Nets hesitant, and now, according to a source familiar with the Nets’ thought process, outright unwilling to give him a long-term extension.
Kevin Durant hasn't spoken to Nets front office since first-round sweep
That’s a first-round exit at best – if Durant stays to see it, and according to multiple sources, Kevin Durant and the Nets front office have not spoken since they were swept out of the first round.
In layman’s terms, if Irving leaves the Nets, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Durant becomes frustrated with the organization’s ability to put championship pieces around him. They failed to do so at the beginning of last season, with none of their top offseason acquisitions – James Johnson, DeAndre Bembry or Jevon Carter – finishing the year in Brooklyn.
Justin Kubatko: LeBron James earned All-NBA honors for the 18th time, three more selections than any other player. He’s the first player to be named to one of the All-NBA teams in his 19th season or later. James is the only player to earn at least four All-NBA selections for three franchises. pic.twitter.com/mkmieBfOyQ
Malika Andrews: I still can’t believe it. Thank you 💛 pic.twitter.com/egXBwo8C11
May 25, 2022 | 11:21 am EDT Update
Grant Williams names Darius Garland as toughest cover in the league for him
SI: Who’s the toughest cover in the league? Grant Williams: For guys like myself, the hardest people to guard are like Darius Garland. Small, shifty point guards. The longer, taller guys, and the physical guys I’m OK with. I do a good job on Darius and guys like that, but for me, it’s always been a small, small, small point guard that’s really shifty and quick.
SI: You have a long history with Bam. Does that help at all? Grant Williams: I feel like he’s gotten so much better since then. So as much as it could help, he’s improved so much that it’s one of those things, I can’t really go off my high school scouting report. As the years have gone on, it’s gotten more and more fun to play against him because of how much he’s improved, how much he continually wants to get better and improve his shot. I’m really just excited to play him throughout my career.
SI: Not to kick this off by asking a weird question, but how does your body feel right now? You’ve taken as much punishment in this playoff run as any player that I can remember since I started covering the league. Have you ever felt like you do right now, playing basketball? Grant Williams: Definitely not. But hey, this is what the playoffs and everything is about, right? It’s my role to deal with. It’s something you embrace, and I feel like it’s just even more fun because it’s something that I feel is unique and I don’t see many guys that can do the same things that I do.
