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Brooklyn Nets Preseason Causes Uproar over NBA League Pass

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The Nets first preseason game had issues being televised.

The Brooklyn Nets’ first preseason game, and the first game under coach Jordi Fernandez, ended with a 106-115 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. The Nets’ highest scorer was Keon Johnson who finished with 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Ben Simmons, who played his first game since February, had two points, 1 assist, and two rebounds. Guard James Harden led the Clippers with 14 points, four rebounds, and one assist. The Clippers played without their star forward Kawhi Leonard, who is out with a knee injury. Leonard told ESPN on Sunday, 

“We’re just taking it slow, day by day and just trying to get me back on the floor.”

Brooklyn Nets Preseason Causes Uproar over NBA League Pass

The Brooklyn Nets are in a rebuilding phase. They are looking to reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2003. However, it may take some time before they get there.  Following the 2023-24 season, the Nets traded their best player of the season, Mikal Bridges, to the New York Knicks. The Nets begin the 2024-2025 season with Ben Simmons (PG), Nic Claxton (C), Cameron Johnson (SF), Dennis Schroder (PG), Dorian Finney-Smith (PF), Shake Milton (SG), Day’Ron Sharpe (C), Cam Thomas (SG), and Ziaire Williams (F).

The Nets fanbase will need to get accustomed to their younger core players: Nic Claxton, Cam Thomas, Cameron Johnson, and Keon Johnson as the team’s chemistry develops. However, all eyes are on Ben Simmons, who In the 2024-2025 season, is aiming to complete a full season for the first time since 2020-2021. Over the past three seasons, he has played only 57 games, missing a total of 189 games due to injuries and refusing to play.  

Although Simmons did not put up impressive numbers, his coach seems to have confidence in him. Law Murray of The Athletic reported that after the game, Fernandez stated:

“A healthy Ben Simmons is a very,very,very,very good basketball player. 3x All-Star. And that’s what we’ve got right now. We have a healthy Ben, who has been working really hard the whole summer”.

Game Not Nationally Televised On NBA League Pass 

The game started with fans crying foul. Nets fans with NBA League Pass accounts were disappointed prior to tip-off, when they noticed the game was not available on their screens. Many of them sparked frustration and complaints on X, especially since other NBA games were televised. During the first eight minutes of the game, NBA League Pass screen showed “Preseason Game Not Televised.” Eventually, the game was aired with a few minutes left in the first quarter.  

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Prior to the preseason, the NBA announced that League Pass with commercials would be $109.99. While League Pass Premium would be $159.99. The Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and Atlanta Hawks preseason games were fully televised. Meanwhile, the Nets’ fans felt they were being short-changed. 

Next Preseason Game

The Nets’ next preseason game will be on Monday, October 14th against the Washington Wizards at 7:30 PM EST. Fans hope to see more from Ben Simmons and expect the game to be televised from the beginning.

The post Brooklyn Nets Preseason Causes Uproar over NBA League Pass appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.