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Agent offers update on status of Ben Simmons
While there are fairly constant rumors flying around relating to the health and potential timeline for return for Brooklyn Nets guard/forward Ben Simmons, the latest on his current outlook is one that's likely worth taking to heart. While speaking to SiriusXM NBA Radio's Justin Termine and Eddie Johnson, Simmons' agent, Bernie Lee, had some legitimately positive updates on the 27-year-old.
When asked about his health and whether Simmons would be ready for the start of training camp, Lee revealed that his client has exceeded all benchmarks this summer, and the expectation is that he'll be ready to start the season on day one of training camp.
"He's been great, there's been a protocol that was established for him this summer that has benchmarks and measurements just to make sure everything was staying on track, and I'll tell you that he's exceeded everything. The expectation is that he'll be able to start the season day one of training camp and definitely the regular season without any limitations in any way," Lee told SiriusXM NBA Radio.
This is a big update for Nets fans and Simmons alike, obviously. If he's ready to go for training camp, that would only add to the growing buzz surrounding some lingering optimism that he can begin moving toward playing like his old self. While it's still a good bit away, even if Simmons is able to take part in practices prior to the season and is ready on opening night, there'll certainly be plenty of eyes on Brooklyn to see how he looks after playing in just 42 games last season.
More must-reads:
- Mikal Bridges gets honest on Ben Simmons amid Nets uncertainty
- Lance Stephenson Wants To Play For Knicks Or Nets In NBA Return
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The 'Basketball Hall-of-Famers with 'M,' last names' quiz
Happy 62nd birthday to five-time NBA All-Star, four-time All-NBA selection and 2011 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee Chris Mullin! After a stellar college career at St. John's, Mullin was drafted seventh-overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 1985 NBA Draft. He'd go on to play 13 of his 16 seasons with the Warriors, and he still ranks in the top-10 in franchise history in defensive rebounds (sixth), assists (sixth) points (fifth) and games played (third). Members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame are celebrated for their outstanding achievements and accomplishments. Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to our Quiz of the Day Newsletter for daily quizzes sent right to your email!
Jalon Walker’s Mysterious Injury Sparks Unease Among Atlanta Falcons Fans
Training camp is supposed to be a time of optimism for NFL teams, a moment to gauge the potential stars of tomorrow and fine-tune rosters for the regular season. For the Atlanta Falcons, however, the 2025 training camp has come with an air of apprehension. Rookie edge rusher Jalon Walker—widely regarded as one of their most promising young talents—has been mysteriously absent from team drills, leaving fans concerned about the severity of his injury and its potential impact on the season. On one hand, head coach Raheem Morris has reassured reporters that the issue is “not serious.” On the other hand, the team’s lack of transparency and Walker’s conspicuous absence have stoked fears that there may be more to worry about than the coaching staff is letting on. Here’s a closer look at why this situation has Falcons fans nervous, and why Walker’s absence is so significant given Atlanta’s high stakes this season. Jalon Walker’s Potential: A Key For The Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons drafted Jalon Walker in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, betting big on his ability to energize their pass rush. Coming out of the University of Georgia, Walker was praised for his athleticism, explosiveness, and versatility. While he split time between positions in college, Atlanta planned to focus his talents at edge rusher—a role they desperately needed to solidify after struggling to pressure opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons. Walker was touted as a player who could contribute immediately. His blend of size, speed, and raw power made him a natural fit for the Falcons’ defensive scheme. Pairing him with fellow first-round selection James Pearce Jr. and veterans along the defensive line seemed like a recipe for rebuilding a unit that had long been Atlanta’s Achilles’ heel. Simply put, the Falcons need Walker to bridge the gap between potential and production. For a franchise that has invested heavily in improving its front seven, the stakes are high. And that’s precisely why his current absence is causing so much unease. The Injury Mystery Jalon Walker’s training camp has been, at best, stop-and-start. He was seen participating in earlier sessions but has now missed two consecutive practices, relegated to a side field for conditioning work alongside injured linebacker Troy Andersen. The team has offered little in the way of an explanation. Reports have confirmed that Walker isn’t dealing with a major setback, but the lack of specifics has left fans speculating about the long-term implications. Raheem Morris attempted to reassure the fanbase, stating, “It’s not a serious issue.” However, those familiar with NFL injury narratives know better than to take those words at face value. Teams often downplay early injuries only for them to linger into the regular season—or worse, snowball into something that sidelines a player indefinitely. Adding to the anxiety are comments from outside linebackers coach Jacquies Smith, who acknowledged the importance of Walker getting back on the field sooner rather than later. “Obviously, we would love for him to get the reps. I’m not a doctor, but he needs the reps,” Smith admitted. It’s a candid reminder that no amount of athletic ability can compensate for a lack of practice when it comes to transitioning from college ball to life in the NFL. Why Walker’s Absence is Significant The timing and nature of Walker’s absence are particularly concerning when considering Atlanta’s broader goals for the season. The Falcons didn’t just use their first-round pick on Walker—they restructured their defensive ambitions around improving the edge rush. After years of ranking near the bottom of the league in sacks and quarterback pressures, the 2025 offseason was all about reversing that trend. Walker is a linchpin in that strategy. A Critical Role in the Pass Rush Without consistent pressure from their edge defenders, the Falcons have often left their secondary exposed, resulting in a cascade of defensive breakdowns. Walker’s role isn’t just one of potential—he’s expected to actively anchor the pass rush alongside Pearce. The duo was billed as the future of Atlanta’s defensive front, tasked with turning around a unit that has long struggled to impose its will on opposing offenses. Missed practices mean missed opportunities to fine-tune his technique and build chemistry with teammates, two things critical for a rookie. The coaches can offer classroom sessions and film study, but on-field reps provide invaluable lessons in timing, angles, and adaptability that can’t be replicated off the gridiron. The Cost of Draft Capital Atlanta’s commitment to boosting its defensive line wasn’t cheap. By trading up in the draft and focusing on edge rushers in early rounds, the Falcons showed they were all-in on reshaping their front seven. Walker embodies this investment. If he isn’t available or fails to develop as planned, the ripple effects could undermine the entire defensive overhaul. A Lesson in Hope and Worry It’s important to note that panic might be premature. Training camp is a long process, and early injuries are sometimes no more than a bump in the road. Walker has shown himself to be a resilient competitor, and the coaching staff has maintained that this is a minor ailment. But the Falcons’ handling of this situation will be critical in easing tensions among the fanbase. Transparency can go a long way in restoring trust. For Jalon Walker, the immediate focus should be on returning to practice without rushing his recovery. The Atlanta Falcons need him to be ready for Week 1 against the division-rival Carolina Panthers, a game that will set the tone for the season. The Road Ahead While it’s too early to press the panic button, the situation serves as a reminder of the fine line NFL team-building walks. The Atlanta Falcons have a golden opportunity to turn the tide defensively this year. Their investments in young, athletic talent like Jalon Walker signal a bright future, but for that future to materialize, player development must align with health and availability. Fans, meanwhile, will continue to hold their breath until Walker is spotted in full pads, explosive as always. And when that moment comes, the nervous energy surrounding his mysterious injury might well transform into optimism.
Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
Pitcher bizarrely faces old team on same day of trade
Seranthony Dominguez certainly had an eventful day on Tuesday. The veteran MLB reliever began the day on the Baltimore Orioles and was with his teammates in the dugout during the first leg of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays. The O's went on to win, 16-4, at Oriole Park in Baltimore, though Dominguez did not pitch during the game. But the day took a bizarre turn when the two teams agreed to a deal in the middle of the doubleheader. The Orioles traded Dominguez to the Blue Jays in exchange for minor league pitcher Juaron Watts-Brown. That led to a strange scene where Dominguez switched clubhouses after being traded, walking across the hallway to get to the Toronto side. Things got even weirder during the second leg of the doubleheader. Dominguez got the call to pitch for the Blue Jays against his former team. He had to walk past his ex-Baltimore teammates to get to the Toronto bullpen, and then entered the game in the seventh inning to pitch. Here is the unusual spectacle that saw Dominguez pitch against the guys that he began the day as teammates with. The whole thing was so bizarre that it even looked like Dominguez received a hastily-made Blue Jays jersey with the “8” in his No. 48 apparently stuck on backwards. Dominguez, a 30-year-old in his seventh MLB season, ended up striking out two in a scoreless frame against his former team. We have certainly seen instances of MLB players getting traded in the middle of games before, but that had to be the first instance of a player starting the first half of a doubleheader on one team and then pitching in the second half for the other team.
Dodgers facing potential trade decision amid Blake Snell news
Left-handed starting pitcher Blake Snell is in his 10th major-league season after making his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016. Snell spent time with the San Diego Padres, then signed a deal with the San Francisco Giants after the 2023 season, which he later opted out of to enter free agency in 2024. The 32-year-old veteran signed a five-year, $182M contract this offseason with the Los Angeles Dodgers after an exceptional 2024 campaign. Snell earned such a lucrative contract thanks to his outstanding career to date, which includes two Cy Young Awards and an All-Star appearance. Over 213 career starts, he owns a 77–58 record, a 3.18 ERA and 1,372 strikeouts. Snell was placed on the injured list on April 6 (retroactive to April 3) with left shoulder inflammation after experiencing discomfort during a bullpen session; he had made only two starts for the Dodgers before the injury. After four minor-league rehab outings, manager Dave Roberts announced on Sunday that Snell is expected to rejoin the rotation next week. With his return looming, the Dodgers have decided to shift to a six-man rotation but now face a decision on right-hander Dustin May’s roster status. May returned to a full-time starting role for the first time in two seasons and has struggled. On Sunday against the Boston Red Sox, May allowed four runs in five innings of work, and he entered the start with an ERA of 4.73. May’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, and he is a candidate to potentially be moved to the bullpen. He is an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
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