NBA Media Day Roundup: An update on Ben Simmons, Zion had surgery
NBA Media Day is underway and the 2021-22 season is officially here.
To kick off the 2021-22 NBA season and training camps, media day began with teams introducing the team to, well, the media. It gives fans an early look at what they can expect this season from their respective teams.
As media day got underway, there was one team that was specifically on the microscope a bit more than any other team in the league – and that was the Philadelphia 76ers.
The fans were going to get a much-needed update on the Ben Simmons situation and perhaps an early look at how the team was going to handle its next move. And believe we got, at the very least, an update on how the team is going to proceed.
Morey on Simmons and his camp's stance: "They came us and asked for a trade at the combine in Chicago...we were not looking for a trade."
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) September 27, 2021
The Sixers are likely going to fine Simmons as a no-show to camp.
Morey on steps they'll take if Simmons continues to no-show: "It's very clearly spelled out in the CBA and his contract what happens."
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) September 27, 2021
And that’s exactly what they intend to do from day 1.
The Sixers plan to fine Ben Simmons for skipping today’s media day, per @JClarkNBCS pic.twitter.com/humIi9Pc4b
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 27, 2021
Other highlights from NBA media day:
So, apparently, Zion Williamson had foot surgery during the offseason. And he could miss a portion of training camp and preseason. Though, he should be back in time for the start of the regular season.
Griffin said Zion broke the 5th metatarsal in his right foot.
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) September 27, 2021
Doesn't think it's "terribly likely" that he will be playing in the preseason but the ramp up would have him ready for the regular season. https://t.co/zZmdcAFvKH
Zion also watered down any doubts about his future with the team….for now.
Zion Williamson: "I love it here. I love the city of New Orleans. I don't wanna be anywhere else."
— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) September 27, 2021
Added: "It's all love with me and Griff. ... We're both competitors, we both want to win. Do we disagree on some things? Yes. But no one agrees on everything."
Kyrie staying on-brand during his media availability for the Brooklyn Nets. That’s all we’ll say.
Kyrie Irving on if he expects to play in home games this season:
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) September 27, 2021
"Everything will be released at a due date once we get this cleared up. As of right now, please respect my privacy." pic.twitter.com/W7fqrFkWY5
Kevin Durant was also on-brand, having zero fun with David Letterman. In fairness, maybe he has no idea who David Letterman is.
David Letterman asked Kevin Durant "why do people call you KD?"
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 27, 2021
KD's response 💀
(via @SNYNets)pic.twitter.com/3xAoFY0p7f
Jimmy Butler has braids now. Looks good.
Jimmy Butler on a new team pic.twitter.com/rwAwYQ7RGS
— Five Reasons Sports 🏀🏈⚾️🏒⚽️ (@5ReasonsSports) September 27, 2021
We could be looking at a January return for Klay Thompson.
Keep it here as we continue to update throughout NBA Media Day.