Simmons’ tea | Sports Daily Newsletter
One former Sixer sits down with another.
It’s not a new story, but it was buzzworthy listening nonetheless when Ben Simmons came on former teammate JJ Redick’s podcast and dished about the circumstances that led to his departure from the Sixers.
In front of a friendly face, Simmons hashed out the feelings of betrayal following the loss to the Hawks in Game 7 of the 2021 Eastern Conference semifinals and his subsequent mental health struggles, offering insight into the drawn-out saga that captured Sixers fans and the NBA for months.
He’s eloquent — more eloquent than many 26-year-old professional athletes discussing their feelings. And those feelings are valid. Nobody is debating that. It’s how he handled those feelings that is — and remains — the issue, David Murphy writes.
— Maria McIlwain, Inquirer Sports Staff, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.
The aforementioned Simmons-Redick interview covered a wide range of topics, including his non-dunk in Game 7, playing the Hawks, his back injury, The Process, and more. Gina Mizell has the details.
The Eagles welcomed C.J. Gardner-Johnson to their secondary, and the fit seems to have worked in part because his mentor is former Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins. The two played together on the Saints, and while they’ve got outwardly different personalities, Jenkins influenced how Gardner-Johnson sees his path to success in the league.
The defense might not be under the microscope this week after a standout performance in Monday’s win against Minnesota, but it will be interesting to see it go up against Carson Wentz. A veteran in Brandon Graham has been helping with the scouting report on his former teammate, and the Eagles are looking to wreak havoc and force turnovers if they can.
That could be the difference against the Wentz and the Commanders, and our beat writers are predicting an Eagles win on the road.
Inquirer Eagles beat reporters EJ Smith and Josh Tolentino preview the team’s Week 3 game against the Washington Commanders and Carson Wentz. Watch at Inquirer.com/EaglesGameday
John Tortorella channeled his inner Herb Brooks on Thursday, by pushing the Flyers’ players to the limit conditioning-wise on the first day of training camp.
It proved to be an eventful day all around at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, as GM Chuck Fletcher addressed the media, and we finally got a more concrete update on injured defenseman Ryan Ellis.
Andrew Painter sat in the Phillies’ dugout on Thursday and looked out at the field as the Atlanta Braves took batting practice. Can he imagine standing on the mound here next season? “I mean, 100%,” Painter said. “If they’re ready for that.” Who wouldn’t be ready for a 6-foot-7 right-hander with a 98 mph fastball, slider, curveball, and emerging changeup? Oh, and did we mention that he won’t turn 20 until April?
Phillies farm director Preston Mattingly talked with The Inquirer’s Alex Coffey about Painter’s offseason plan, the outlook for Griff McGarry, and two prospects you should know about.
Seranthony Domínguez has been inconsistent since returning from the injured list. What gives? He believes a mechanical flaw is to blame.
Somehow, even with all the injuries and that recent slump, the Phillies now have a winning streak going.
Next: The Phillies continue their series against Atlanta at 7:05 p.m. Friday (NBCSP). Aaron Nola (9-12, 3.38) will be opposed by Braves right-hander Jake Odorizzi (5-5, 4.04).
Alejandro Bedoya is having a banner year as captain of the Union, and so is the team itself. So the team signed the player to a one-year extension.
After making it clear that he believed Gregg Berhalter erred in not including Jordan Pefok on the latest USMNT roster, Jonathan Tannenwald had a chance to ask Berhalter directly about the decision-making on the striker list.
The Union play this weekend, but they won’t be any closer to the Supporters’ Shield by doing so, since their match is an exhibition friendly against Mexican club Pachuca.
Next: Union vs. Pachuca, 6 p.m., Subaru Park
Worth a look
Finding his niche: A position switch helped this Temple linebacker blossom.
Focused Franklin: Don’t look now, but Penn State is 3-0 with Central Michigan coming to town.
Happy homecoming: After getting routed by Army, Villanova is back home to take on a CAA newcomer.
What you’re saying about Hurts vs. Wentz
We asked: What does Hurts offer as a player that Wentz does not, and vice versa?
Among your responses:
Although I think that Wentz has the stronger arm, but for me the biggest difference is their ego. In my opinion, Wentz is more “me” and Hurts is more “we”. I know that beyond the skills, football demands a balance strength of both body and mind. I think that Hurts has the better balance. — John N.
Hurts offers leadership and seems to have more respect from his team. Wentz has a very dubious track record compared to Jalens clean slate. Hurts also has better mobility and speed at this point in his career. If Wentz doesn’t prove himself this year, he may become a backup next year. Hurts certainly looks promising, but it is still very early for a good evaluation. — Dave G.
Hurts offers hope and a chance. Wentz is a walking nightmare waiting to happen. — Brad L.
Hurts can run, Wentz can’t. Hurts is a team player, Wentz isn’t. Hurts can be coached, Wentz knows it all. Hurts is durable, Wentz isn’t. — Bill M.
Hurts brings an elusiveness that I like. Wentz fumbled too often when running with the ball. — Bill B.
We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Jonathan Tannenwald, David Murphy, Scott Lauber, Alex Coffey, Olivia Reiner, Giana Han, Gustav Elvin, Jeff McLane, EJ Smith, Josh Tolentino, Cayden Steele, Colin Beazley, Sam Cohn, and Gina Mizell.