The NBA free agency frenzy has died down and with the summer league complete, and the league has reached a quiet point. However, there are a few trade rumblings and free agents available that are still creating buzz. Here are the latest NBA rumors and news you need to know:
Sixers to play Simmons at point guard
Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons is best known for his passing ability, and the team appears ready to put that skill to use in a big way. According to ThaCover2.com, head coach Brett Brown told reporters that that 6'10" Simmons will play point guard for the Sixers at times this year:
"I can't wait for the season to begin and all over the place I'm very, very excited to start our season," Brown said. "I think [Simmons] is going to have some taste of [point guard] for sure. He'll dictate that himself when he rebounds and leads the break. I've said it many times, I think the NBA point guard is the hardest position in the NBA.
"He's never played point guard, let alone NBA point guard, so what do you think he's going to be? He has a real good chance to be that. I think initially we're going to play him in different positions and that [point guard] will certainly be one of them. I believe he's an elite passer. He has the mentality to do that first--and in a 6-foot-10 frame that weighs 240, 250 pounds, at 20 years old. That's a great package to work with to play multiple positions.
"He's going to be a facilitator. You're going to see [Simmons] making plays. The ball will be in his hands and you can call what position you want. He's certainly going to have the ball in his hands a lot, and everybody will certainly be reaping the benefits of that and truly enjoy playing with him. What we will say is we will give him the ball as much as we can."
Simmons, the top pick in the draft, averaged 19.2 points, 11.8 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game at LSU last season.
Allen coming back to protect record?
NBA veteran Ray Allen is reportedly interested in making a comeback after being out of the league for two years, and there's a very specific reason he's making that decision. According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, Allen wants to further protect his all-time three-point record from Stephen Curry:
"Ray wants to play again. I’m sure about that. I don’t think he particularly enjoys watching Stephen Curry rain 3s and challenge his record and be called the best shooter in the world. I think that bothers him. I know Ray wants to extend his all-time 3-point record."
Allen holds the record with 2,973 career three-pointers made, while Curry sits 19th on the list with 1,593. However, Curry has set the record for most three-pointers made in a season in each of the last three years. He holds four of the top seven spots on the list now, while Allen's best season is now 5th all-time.
Allen has discussed joining the Milwaukee Bucks or Boston Celtics - both teams he has previously played for during his 18-year career - next season.
Kanter disowned by family
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Enes Kanter has emerged as a major piece of OKC's future, but he has some personal turmoil to deal with. According to GiveMeSport.com, Kanter has been disowned by his family:
Three weeks after a failed coup in Turkey, the effects have spilled into the world of basketball.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Enes Kanter has been disowned by his parents due to his support of Pennsylvania-based cleric Fethullah Gulen -- believed to be involved in the coup -- who is currently in a feud with Turkey's president Tayyip Erdogan.
Kanter's father, Mehmet, who supports the Turkish government and Erdogan, issued a handwritten letter to the Turkish media distancing himself -- and the rest of the family -- from the NBA star.
Kanter released the following statement on Twitter:
KAMUOYUNA DUYURULUR..! pic.twitter.com/e7PJp38RTJ
— Enes Kanter (@Enes_Kanter) August 8, 2016
"Today I lost those who for 24 years I called ... my family ... My own father wanted me to change my surname. The mother who gave birth to me rejected me. May God take every second of my life and give it to my brave Teacher... From now on my mother, father and siblings are (the)... devoted members of Hizmet."
Kanter averaged 12.7 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season
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