The AllStar is proud to present The Daily Swish, a digest of what’s shaking and baking in your favorite basketball league. This is the place to help you start your day (or end it) with notable newsy nuggets from around the association.
Ben Simmons shocks the Sixers and the basketball world plus Kyrie Irving’s future is in the hands of his All Star teammates.
Making Headlines
Ben Simmons surprised everyone by showing up for work. The wantaway All Star reported to Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia to take a Covid test which paves the way for him to resume practicing and playing with the team. Simmons has lost over $1 million for skipping the first three preseason games. It remains to be seen whether he’ll suit up for the Sixers any time soon.
Over in Brooklyn, the controversy surrounding Kyrie Irving doesn’t appear to be going away. Kevin Durant and James Harden will meet with Nets owner Joe Tsai and GM Sean Marks to decide whether Irving should be a part-time player. Irving will be unable to play in Brooklyn or New York if he remains unvaccinated.
Michael Jordan weighed in on the vaccine situation saying, “I’m a firm believer in science.” Jordan is the second Hall of Famer after Kareem Abdul-Jabber to speak out about vaccines. Both greats believe that players should listen to medical professionals and side with science.
#What’sTrending
It’s only been 12 months since the Lakers won their 17th NBA title.
LeBron James was excited to see former teammate JR Smith make his NCAA golf debut. Smith shot 13-over par in his first tournament for North Carolina A&T.
LiAngelo Ball is entering the G League draft after signing a G League contract.
Best of r/NBA
Covid vaccines are once again the focus on Reddit. ESPN’s Malika Andrews didn’t hold back with her thoughts about the Kyrie Irving situation, calling out his “privilege” much to the delight of Redditors.
Michael Jordan also chimed in on the vaccine debate stating he hopes that everybody abides by the league’s rules.
Tyler Herro won the respect of Redditors after saying “It’s very important for everyone to get vaccinated.” Herro’s stance appears to have revitalised his image with u/TheMightJD commenting “r/NBA about to do a 180 on Tyler. From future All-NBA to bubble-fluke to promising young player again.”
Performance of the Night
Rudy Gobert: 19 points (7-8 FG), 19 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal
Gobert dominated the paint against the Pelicans. He was one point and one rebound short of a 20-20 performance, an impressive feat despite only playing 23 minutes.
Play of the Day
LaMelo Ball’s sweet dish on the break to Miles Bridges gets our Play of the Day. LaMelo nearly notched a triple double finishing with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists.
