BROOKLYN NETS

Kevin Durant Surprised With Birthday Cake At Nets Practice

by

Kevin Durant has had some turbulent times with the Brooklyn Nets over the past few months. Back in July, Durant requested a trade from the Nets, although the team was unable to find a proper suitor. Eventually, Durant decided to scrap his request and simply ride it out with his team. After all, he is under contract for four more seasons, which gives the Nets all the leverage.

This week, Durant started training camp with the Nets, and it comes at a very interesting time for Durant. We say that because today marks Durant’s 34th birthday. He is in his 16th NBA season, and he is only a few years younger than his rival, LeBron James.

Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

Despite the issues he’s had with the franchise, they still came through for his birthday as the team gifted KD a birthday cake in the middle of practice. As you can see in the clip below, the cake was wheeled out in front of the whole team, and Durant seemed pretty embarrassed by it all. Regardless, it was a nice little team bonding moment.

Durant and the Nets are looking to turn things around this season, and they have a real opportunity to. Hopefully, Durant can prove doubters wrong as he tries to regain confidence in Kyrie Irving and his new teammate, Ben Simmons.

Steve Nash Gives His Honest Thoughts On Ben Simmons

by

Ben Simmons is back on the court as he works out with the Brooklyn Nets amid the start of training camp. This is obviously great news for the Nets who are going to need a healthy Simmons this season if they want to turn the tide and become the team they were supposed to be last season.

Simmons has gotten a chance to show his teammates what he can do, and so far, he has impressed his coach, Steve Nash. While speaking to Nick Friedell of ESPN, Nash had some massive compliments for Simmons, and he even explained how he doesn’t particularly care about his lack of a jump shot.

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

“Very unique,” Nash said. “That’s what makes Ben great. That’s why I don’t care if he ever shoots a jump shot for the Brooklyn Nets. He’s welcome to, but that is not what makes him special and not what we need. He’s a great complement to our team, and he’s an incredible basketball player because of his versatility.”

Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

It is important for Simmons to get these kinds of co-signs as they will ultimately help his confidence in the long run. He has a lot to prove right now, and this latest endorsement is good news for Nets fans.

Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates from around the NBA.

[Via]

Ben Simmons Offers Positive Update On His Nagging Back Injury

by

Ben Simmons was one of the most scrutinized players in the entire NBA last season. Fans were upset that he wouldn’t play with the Philadelphia 76ers, and they were even more upset when he wasn’t able to make his way to the court while playing for the Nets.

Simmons was suffering from back issues, and after getting surgery five months ago, he is now back on the court and practicing with his teammates. Just a couple of days ago, Simmons could be seen shooting threes, and for the most part, he has been doing very well alongside his Nets teammates.

Yesterday, Simmons provided his fans with a very solid update that should make them excited for the start of the season. As you can see in this report from Kristian Winfield, Simmons believes his back is doing just fine, and that he is actually surprised by how well it has held up since the start of training camp.

“I was surprised today, I got a block. I blocked David Duke. I was shocked,” Simmons said.

This is obviously a good sign for the Nets and hopefully, it means Simmons will play in the first game of the season. If not, then there are going to be droves of Nets fans who will be livid at Simmons, and even the front office for putting up with it all.

Stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the NBA.

Ben Simmons Shoots Threes At Nets Practice: Watch

by

Ben Simmons is known for having a bad shot. Throughout the first few years of his NBA career, Simmons has been roasted on numerous occasions for not getting off shots, while only making enough three-pointers to count on one finger.

When you are a point guard, this kind of playing style is pretty well unacceptable and it has forced his teams to try him out in different roles. Having said that, Simmons is still working on his three-point shot as he just wants to prove everyone wrong. It’s something he works on every year, and now that he is in Brooklyn, fans will be watching him closely to make sure he has truly improved.

Dustin Satloff/Getty Images

This week, Simmons got to start training camp with the Nets, and by all accounts, he will be available to play come opening night.

In the following clip below, Simmons can be seen getting off to a solid start at Nets camp thanks to some three-point shooting drills. Simmons was making his shots and his jumper looks a lot better. Of course, we’ve fallen into this trap before, so there is no telling whether or not this translates into next season.

Hopefully, Simmons can finally prove everyone wrong and show that he can actually hit jumpers. Until then, stay tuned to HNHH for more news from the NBA world.

SOURCE SPORTS: Brooklyn Nets Unveil 2022-23 NBA Statement Edition Uniform

by
Brooklyn Nets Unveil 2022-23 NBA Statement Edition Uniform

The Brooklyn Nets’ 2022–23 NBA Statement Edition uniform has been released. The striking black-on-black design, which is a modern twist on the team’s traditional Icon uniform that was initially introduced ten years ago when the Nets moved to Brooklyn, was motivated by the traditional outfit worn by New Yorkers. The team’s distinctive herringbone pattern can be seen flowing down the side of the jersey and shorts, and the uniform bears the NETS wordmark over the chest that is accented in platinum.

Brooklyn Nets Unveil 2022-23 NBA Statement Edition Uniform
Brooklyn Nets Unveil 2022-23 NBA Statement Edition Uniform

“Ten years ago, the Brooklyn Nets made history as the first NBA team to wear black and white as its primary colors,” said Andrew Karson, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing, Strategy and Solutions at BSE Global, parent company of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center. “For New Yorkers, black has been the uniform for decades – it’s chic, and for many represents edginess, sophistication and elegance. We’re proud to continue that tradition as we enter the Nets’ second decade in Brooklyn with a new twist on the classic Icon uniform.”

A collection of New York influencers and Nets supporters reinvented their favorite all-black outfits by adding the team’s most recent jersey to honor the uniform and emphasize classic New York style. The advertising campaign, which draws inspiration from sports, fashion, and music, stars  Darnell Bernard, Nevrmind, Bohan Phoenix, Ayyde, Mr. and Mrs. Whammy, and others. Using a candid street style vibe, fashion photographer Richard Masao photographed the outfits in various locations throughout Brooklyn.

image003 1 1

As part of this season’s Friday Night Live activities, the Nets will wear the Statement Edition uniforms on the court at Barclays Center on October 21 against the Toronto Raptors and at each of the team’s Friday night home games. This year’s Friday Night Live games at Barclays Center will include improved in-game programming and unique fan giveaways that will strengthen the bond between supporters and the team while showcasing the best of Brooklyn culture in terms of music, fashion, art, and lifestyle. This season, the Nets will don the Statement Edition outfit seven times in their home arena.

The Nets’ 2022-23 NBA Statement Edition uniforms will be available for purchase online at netsstore.com and in person at the Nets’ team store at Barclays Center, Brooklyn Fanatics, beginning this fall. 

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Brooklyn Nets Unveil 2022-23 NBA Statement Edition Uniform appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Kevin Durant Meets with Nets and Agrees to Remain with Franchise

by
Kevin Durant Enters Seven-Day Quarantine After COVID Exposure

The Kevin Durant trade saga is officially over. The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports KD will remain with the Brooklyn Nets for the forthcoming season.

Charania reports Head Coach Steve Nash, owner Joe Tsai, and General Manager Sean Marks met with KD and Rich Kleiman in Los Angeles to continue moving forward.

“We are focusing on basketball, with one collective goal in mind: build a lasting franchise to bring a championship to Brooklyn,” Marks said in a statement.

Earlier this week, the Nets revealed that Kyrie Irving would remain with the team this season as he has worked out with teammates and has “constructive dialogue” with the organization.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Kevin Durant Meets with Nets and Agrees to Remain with Franchise appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Memphis Grizzlies Exploring a Trade for Kevin Durant

by
Kevin Durant Scores 15 in Nets Preseason Debut

After The Athletic revealed the Atlanta Hawks attempted to secure Kevin Durant’s services, the Memphis Grizzlies are now making a run at the Brooklyn sniper.

According to The Athletic, the Grizzlies are joining the Celtics, HEAT, and Raptors in pursuit of the swingman. The Grizzlies are willing to discuss a deal and have a plethora of draft picks but will not include Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane in a deal. It’s also pretty clear to assume Ja Morant is not to be asked for as well.

The Grizzlies are a rising force in the Western Conference and took the Golden State Warriors to a six-game series in the playoffs. The Grizz will take on the Warriors, Durant’s former team, on Christmas Day in a playoff rematch.

Would you like to see Durant in Grizzly blue next season?

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Memphis Grizzlies Exploring a Trade for Kevin Durant appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Kevin Durant Directly Asks Nets Owner Joe Tsai for a Trade

by
Kevin Durant Directly Asks Nets Owner Joe Tsai for a Trade

Kevin Durant sent ripple effects through the NBA world on Thursday when he formally asked for a trade. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, KD made a direct trade request to Nets owner Joe Tsai.

Brooklyn Nets general manager Sean Marks is working alongside Durant and his business partner Rich Kleiman to find a new home for Durant. KD has named the Phoenix Suns and Miami HEAT as where he would like to play next. ESPN noted over half of the NBA contacted the Nets to check into Durant’s availability.

Durant’s trade request comes just days after Nets co-star Kyrie Irving decided to return to the team to “full his commitment” to the organization and Durant. Now the belief is Irving will also be moved. Options for Irving currently include the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks.

Durant and Irving reportedly have had no contact with the Nets after opting into his deal. There is a small possibility that the Nets could move Irving and Durant together.

Last year, Durant averaged 29.9 points, 7.4 points, and 6.4 assists. Durant is under contract for the next four years.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Kevin Durant Directly Asks Nets Owner Joe Tsai for a Trade appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Brooklyn Nets Team with iHeartMedia for New Podcast Network

by
image001 1 2

The Brooklyn Nets and iHeartMedia launched a podcast relationship today, building on the NBA’s leaguewide pact that gives clubs access to iHeartMedia’s huge reach across numerous audio platforms. With excellent original audio content about the team and beyond, the Nets will serve existing fans and welcome new ones with a range of programming.

The first two episodes will be presented by Chris Carrino, the Nets’ radio play-by-play announcer, and Ally Love, the team’s in-arena emcee, and will feature voices from across the sports and entertainment spectrum. In addition, the Nets will release limited-run narrative podcasts that delve into a variety of topics, providing listeners a variety of ways to participate.

“Voice of the Nets with Chris Carrino,” the first show, will premiere on May 31 and air new episodes every Tuesday. Carrino will chat with sports industry professionals and personalities each week to bring you the latest news on the Nets and the NBA, as well as off-the-court stories involving the organization. The first episode features an interview with Jason Collins, a former Nets player who led the team to back-to-back NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003 and later broke barriers as the NBA’s first active openly homosexual player.

“For over two decades I’ve been telling the story of the Nets through radio play-by-play and Voice of the Nets podcast is a chance to tell that story in long form,” Carrino said. “I’m looking forward to sharing these stories and insights in conversations with a variety of guests. In addition to my role with the Nets, I have a somewhat unique life experience and a natural curiosity and while the show will revolve around the team, we will cast a wide net in covering a myriad of topics. I’m so excited to connect with fans in this way and grow a new audience as well.”

A second podcast, “Courtside Conversation with Ally Love,” sponsored by SeatGeek, will debut in June and will be hosted by Love, who is also the CEO of Love Squad, a Peloton teacher, and an inspirational speaker in addition to her position with the Nets. In this series, Love will speak with a rotating set of powerful and notable guests about basketball and all things cultural — whether fashion, music, food, art, or current affairs – while also highlighting significant events in New York.

“Courtside Conversation is going to be the place for all our guests to get personal, get inspired, and be inspiring,” Love said. “I regularly say that conversation is the catalyst for change and I’m looking forward to connecting with athletes, artists, and all our favorite people on a platform where we can share strategies and tips for success – our winning game – with others.”

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Brooklyn Nets Team with iHeartMedia for New Podcast Network appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Brooklyn Nets Hesitant on Committing to Kyrie Irving

by
NBA Fines Kyrie Irving $25k For "Ungrateful" Comment Made Towards Fans Heckling Him

After a tumultuous 2021-22 season, NBA fans immediately turned to Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets and wondered how their relationship would continue in the future.

Irving only played in 29 games during the season due to vaccination issues. The year before only 54 games, took off for personal reasons after the Jan 6 attack on the nation’s Capitol. The year before that an injury limited Irving to 20 games. Now with a player option on the table, that Irving is expected to turn down, and the option on a new long-term deal that can range from $190 to $245 million, the team and the superstar guard are at a crossroads.

According to Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News, the road will get a bit rocky as the Nets are reportedly hesitant on committing to a long-term deal for Irving due to his last three years of playing availability. The sentiment echoes the words of Nets GM Sean Marks at his exit interview, “We need people here that want to be here. They’re selfless that want to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

Irving is one of many question marks for the Nets this offseason as Ben Simmons will be coming off back surgery and a roster that could undergo some tweaks. Do you see Irving returning next year?

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Brooklyn Nets Hesitant on Committing to Kyrie Irving appeared first on The Source.