2025 NBA Season

[wheelz1200]

Lol those game check fines for Simmons looking like they will be too much to pass up.  Knew it was only a matter of time before he comes back.  Should make for an interesting locker room  guess who isn't invited for after win beers 

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32380934/philadelphia-76ers-making-progress-talks-ben-simmons-return-sources-say

Poor Ben. He’s had a rough few months. Besides his shooting woes and attacks from his own fans, now the guy looks like he’s going to be the first star to fail at trying to force a trade. That locker room is going to be one extremely awkward place to be when Ben Simmons walks in and plays the silent game with everyone.

Yeah I'm definately watching the first game.  Might not even see anything different on the court though of the professionalism kicks in.  Sixers got to know they are better with him than without him.  But when they are losing definately going to break out the popcorn for the first public fight.

[gagux123]

This is just a short-term problem, eventually, Irving will be convinced to get vaccinated as that has been the rule in the NBA and he is necessary to play in every game so the Nets' chances of winning would improve. Let's say the team will allow this kind of status, they might win games at home without him and quality in the playoffs, the question is, what would happen to the Nets in the playoffs where they will likely play more games at home if the series will extend to 7 games? So I don't think the team will tolerate his principle.

wow, now that I realize.... Kyrie Irving hasn't been vaccinated yet? I swore he was already vaccinated and able to play. Is there any possibility that he will be punished by the NBA?
I know Andrew Wiggins also had a problem related to religion, but he got vaccinated.

Can anyone tell me which other players have not been vaccinated?

[Baofeng]

Lol those game check fines for Simmons looking like they will be too much to pass up.  Knew it was only a matter of time before he comes back.  Should make for an interesting locker room  guess who isn't invited for after win beers 

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/32380934/philadelphia-76ers-making-progress-talks-ben-simmons-return-sources-say

Poor Ben. He’s had a rough few months. Besides his shooting woes and attacks from his own fans, now the guy looks like he’s going to be the first star to fail at trying to force a trade. That locker room is going to be one extremely awkward place to be when Ben Simmons walks in and plays the silent game with everyone.

Probably another Kawhi-San Antonio scenario?

@gagux123 - Kyrie doesn't want to get vaccinated, let's say it that way. So he is really a pain now, not sure how long the team can tolerate such actions for their superstars. Yeah, we give credit to Nash for thinking ahead, but in the long run, it might bite them in the ass if Kyrie wouldn't play in their home court.

[wheelz1200]

This is just a short-term problem, eventually, Irving will be convinced to get vaccinated as that has been the rule in the NBA and he is necessary to play in every game so the Nets' chances of winning would improve. Let's say the team will allow this kind of status, they might win games at home without him and quality in the playoffs, the question is, what would happen to the Nets in the playoffs where they will likely play more games at home if the series will extend to 7 games? So I don't think the team will tolerate his principle.

wow, now that I realize.... Kyrie Irving hasn't been vaccinated yet? I swore he was already vaccinated and able to play. Is there any possibility that he will be punished by the NBA?
I know Andrew Wiggins also had a problem related to religion, but he got vaccinated.

Can anyone tell me which other players have not been vaccinated?

I think the list is short but I don't think the NBA can punish them.  I guess you would have to look into each individual contract for each player to see what the teams can do.  But yeah as of now kyrie isn't vaccinated.  Be funny if he was just holding out so he didn't have to really deal with the preseason, most vets hate preseason.  We'll see if he ultimately eventually gets vexed before the season.

[yazher]

I think the list is short but I don't think the NBA can punish them.  I guess you would have to look into each individual contract for each player to see what the teams can do.  But yeah as of now kyrie isn't vaccinated.  Be funny if he was just holding out so he didn't have to really deal with the preseason, most vets hate preseason.  We'll see if he ultimately eventually gets vexed before the season.

Getting vaccinated has nothing to do with his current religion because as of now, every religion in the world probably recommended getting vaccinated but as far as my knowledge, no one in the world forces us to do so in an obligatory way except if we are members of some associations where the administration will oblige their people to be vaccinated. It's better for them to get vaccinated to avoid being suspended in the game where every game is crucial and they needed it most if they wanted to get to the NBA finals.

[danherbias07]

^ Gotta give credit to Steve Nash for planning ahead and preparing the whole team playing without Irving in the regular season and even in the playoffs. Honestly, it's the right thing to do because they couldn't control Kyrie's decision. We should accept that as well as fans and bettors.

He doesn't have much of a choice.  That player is just unpredictable with his decisions or wherever his thoughts are.

Poor Ben. He’s had a rough few months. Besides his shooting woes and attacks from his own fans, now the guy looks like he’s going to be the first star to fail at trying to force a trade. That locker room is going to be one extremely awkward place to be when Ben Simmons walks in and plays the silent game with everyone.

Definitely. Even in Wrestling matches they chant "f*ck Ben". It's awkward for both fans and players and maybe even their management as they should find a way to sell some tickets even with Ben around. I bet many Philly fans are now doubting if they should even buy a full season ticket or just watch it live in their televisions. The other option is just watch Netflix which is pretty much cheaper than a ball game.   

[gagux123]

@gagux123 - Kyrie doesn't want to get vaccinated, let's say it that way. So he is really a pain now, not sure how long the team can tolerate such actions for their superstars. Yeah, we give credit to Nash for thinking ahead, but in the long run, it might bite them in the ass if Kyrie wouldn't play in their home court.

I think the list is short but I don't think the NBA can punish them.  I guess you would have to look into each individual contract for each player to see what the teams can do.  But yeah as of now kyrie isn't vaccinated.  Be funny if he was just holding out so he didn't have to really deal with the preseason, most vets hate preseason.  We'll see if he ultimately eventually gets vexed before the season.

Yes, you said an interesting point @wheelz1200
I believe Kyrie doesn't want to play in the preseason (we all know that preseason is a "warm-up" for the regular season).

I believe it is worth studying the contracts of some players who are opposed to getting vaccinated, including Kyrie. In fact I don't know if this is in the contract, but it is interesting to analyze this point, because there may specific clauses for this.

[Bttzed03]

^ Gotta give credit to Steve Nash for planning ahead and preparing the whole team playing without Irving in the regular season and even in the playoffs. Honestly, it's the right thing to do because they couldn't control Kyrie's decision. We should accept that as well as fans and bettors.

He doesn't have much of a choice.  That player is just unpredictable with his decisions or wherever his thoughts are.

True. I still give him props for acting swiftly. With what he did, I'm pretty sure the Nets are in better shape mentally than the Sixers.


I just saw a social media ad on Shaq's NFT. I know many former and current professional athletes are into crypto but this still caught me offguard. I thought he wasn't into this market because it was too volatile for his taste. Anyway, I guess he found it less risky to sell himself than investing in other coins/tokens. I would probably buy his NFT making a FT shot (talk about rare)

[Vaculin]

I just saw a social media ad on Shaq's NFT. I know many former and current professional athletes are into crypto but this still caught me offguard. I thought he wasn't into this market because it was too volatile for his taste. Anyway, I guess he found it less risky to sell himself than investing in other coins/tokens. I would probably buy his NFT making a FT shot (talk about rare)

That's probably the point, selling his own will benefit him, and that's the way to minimize the risk by using his popularity. NFT has been growing now, even the celebrities are already into it and it's good for us since we love NBA and crypto at the same time.

[bitgolden]

Nash even said that they were considering not having Kyrie at home games at this point. Not that we "know" for sure what is going to happen but at least we are aware that there is a chance he may not get vaccinated at all. He is that kind of person, he was always that kind of person, he likes to create riff and get the news, and become the attention.

If every single player gets vaccinated and then only Kyrie is left (and maybe some no-names) then it matters for him to get it, plus I do not get why players do not get it, these are rules and think how important it must be for someone to get vaccinated when it becomes a rule. Why would anyone imagine something like "NBA put a rule on a vaccination that might hurt me"? Like why would NBA hurt you? Why would NBA want something bad to happen to you? Do you realize how HORRIBLE that would be for NBA? They are doing this to help everyone, not hurt anyone and Kyrie is too stupid to see it.

[Yaunfitda]

I just saw a social media ad on Shaq's NFT. I know many former and current professional athletes are into crypto but this still caught me offguard. I thought he wasn't into this market because it was too volatile for his taste. Anyway, I guess he found it less risky to sell himself than investing in other coins/tokens. I would probably buy his NFT making a FT shot (talk about rare)

That's probably the point, selling his own will benefit him, and that's the way to minimize the risk by using his popularity. NFT has been growing now, even the celebrities are already into it and it's good for us since we love NBA and crypto at the same time.

But Shaq is a investor too, so probably he doesn't want to missed the boat on the NFT hype.

How about Ben Simmons drama?

After staying away for two weeks to start the preseason, 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons reported to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Monday night -- much to the surprise of an organization that had expected him later in the week, sources told ESPN.

https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/ben-simmons-reports-philadelphia-76ers-sources/story?id=80529998

So it's kinda awkward for Philly to suddenly see Ben Simmons reported for practice. But still a lot of concern whether he will really sit it out for the rest of the season.

[stadus]

How about Ben Simmons drama?

After staying away for two weeks to start the preseason, 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons reported to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Monday night -- much to the surprise of an organization that had expected him later in the week, sources told ESPN.

https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/ben-simmons-reports-philadelphia-76ers-sources/story?id=80529998

So it's kinda awkward for Philly to suddenly see Ben Simmons reported for practice. But still a lot of concern whether he will really sit it out for the rest of the season.

This is a good sign that at least he shows some respect to the team, of course, nothing will change the 76ers will still trade him and they are just waiting for the best offers or will evaluate the previous offers before they will decide. So much drama for Simmons's trade, hopefully, it will be over soon so no excuses for the 76ers in case they'll mess up again this season.

[Bttzed03]

^ I doubt that it's about respect after all that happened. He probably realized he can't force his way out right now and he couldn't afford to lose more millions for violation of contract. Whoever told or convinced him to report is a practical guy.

I just saw a social media ad on Shaq's NFT. I know many former and current professional athletes are into crypto but this still caught me offguard. I thought he wasn't into this market because it was too volatile for his taste. Anyway, I guess he found it less risky to sell himself than investing in other coins/tokens. I would probably buy his NFT making a FT shot (talk about rare)

That's probably the point, selling his own will benefit him, and that's the way to minimize the risk by using his popularity. NFT has been growing now, even the celebrities are already into it and it's good for us since we love NBA and crypto at the same time.

But Shaq is a investor too, so probably he doesn't want to missed the boat on the NFT hype.

Of course he is and a successful one at that.

He had an interview last month where he said he doesn't want to venture into cryptocurrencies because he doesn't understand it and seems too good to be true.

[carlisle1]

How about Ben Simmons drama?

After staying away for two weeks to start the preseason, 76ers All-Star guard Ben Simmons reported to the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Monday night -- much to the surprise of an organization that had expected him later in the week, sources told ESPN.

https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/ben-simmons-reports-philadelphia-76ers-sources/story?id=80529998

So it's kinda awkward for Philly to suddenly see Ben Simmons reported for practice. But still a lot of concern whether he will really sit it out for the rest of the season.

This is a good sign that at least he shows some respect to the team, of course, nothing will change the 76ers will still trade him and they are just waiting for the best offers or will evaluate the previous offers before they will decide. So much drama for Simmons's trade, hopefully, it will be over soon so no excuses for the 76ers in case they'll mess up again this season.

After the result of his swap test, joining the practice again will be expected next to him. The trade will come as he really doesn't feel comfortable

within the sixers squad, no news about which team who have the capabilities to offer from what the sixers asking,
For now, it's good to see that he is back, and he is willing to eat his pride. $31.6M is not small for a year's earnings.

Who knows, maybe another chance for him to work it out and find his place back playing alongside with his pals.

[dwminer1]

The Nets just announced that Kyrie Irving “will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant.” Irving must be vaccinated against COVID-19 before he can be a full participant with the team. NY requires players to have at least one dose of the vaccine. In my opinion it is good decision. Full Nets statement:

[wheelz1200]

@gagux123 - Kyrie doesn't want to get vaccinated, let's say it that way. So he is really a pain now, not sure how long the team can tolerate such actions for their superstars. Yeah, we give credit to Nash for thinking ahead, but in the long run, it might bite them in the ass if Kyrie wouldn't play in their home court.

I think the list is short but I don't think the NBA can punish them.  I guess you would have to look into each individual contract for each player to see what the teams can do.  But yeah as of now kyrie isn't vaccinated.  Be funny if he was just holding out so he didn't have to really deal with the preseason, most vets hate preseason.  We'll see if he ultimately eventually gets vexed before the season.

Yes, you said an interesting point @wheelz1200
I believe Kyrie doesn't want to play in the preseason (we all know that preseason is a "warm-up" for the regular season).

I believe it is worth studying the contracts of some players who are opposed to getting vaccinated, including Kyrie. In fact I don't know if this is in the contract, but it is interesting to analyze this point, because there may specific clauses for this.

Yeah I don't even know if those contracts are public, but there is usually clauses for everything.  He is just a wierd dude to begin with so this is just status quote, he is the Nets issue.  And when I mean wierd:

https://www.nbcsports.com/washington/washington-wizards/kyrie-irving-reveals-he-believes-earth-flat-believes-other-conspiracy-theories

[Yogee]

The statement of Brooklyn Nets about Kyrie's reluctance was impressive. They are respecting his decision but at the same time saying "we do not care anymore. You made the decision and we're here play and move forward with or without you".

Wiggins issue is also over and Ben Simmon's drama took a turn in favor of the team apparently so it's all good. Let's enjoy the new season.

[danherbias07]

The Nets just announced that Kyrie Irving “will not play or practice with the team until he is eligible to be a full participant.” Irving must be vaccinated against COVID-19 before he can be a full participant with the team. NY requires players to have at least one dose of the vaccine. In my opinion it is good decision. Full Nets statement:

Crap, so even at road games? It's like he was fired for a year. 
Upon reading the full article from different sports news websites, yes, it's a ban to join the Nets whenever, wherever. But,.. yes there's a twist even if he doesn't play road games the deduction that will be made with his salary are just the home games that was announced by the NBA for whoever will not take the vaccine.
I guess the Nets management just want everything to be clear for every player or just Kyrie, "take the freaking vaccine, there's no microchip in it!" 
Kidding aside, the Nets are still afraid to lose him and still giving him a chance, not playing with salary is too good for an offer.

[Yogee]

...
the Nets are still afraid to lose him and still giving him a chance, not playing with salary is too good for an offer.

Nets management is definitely in a losing position if Kyrie doesn't play all games this season but it's good they made their position very clear. They passed the ball on Irving's court and it's up to him if he wants the team to lose a key player because he wants to exercise his right. I hope the team does well without him.

[wheelz1200]

...
the Nets are still afraid to lose him and still giving him a chance, not playing with salary is too good for an offer.

Nets management is definitely in a losing position if Kyrie doesn't play all games this season but it's good they made their position very clear. They passed the ball on Irving's court and it's up to him if he wants the team to lose a key player because he wants to exercise his right. I hope the team does well without him.

Honestly I love kyries game is but I think at the Nets are a addition by subtraction with him.  Harden can be the guard focus and Durant to lead the team.  Got so.e good role players around him.  Don't need people randomly leaving the team all year, and dude can't not be injured too.  I would have taken the same stance.  All or nothing, if nothing then have a good year we are moving on without ya.