Ben Simmons is seemingly primed to reassert his dominance as the 2024-25 NBA season looms on the horizon. His tireless dedication to improvement has been chronicled extensively by his trainer, Chris Brickley, whose social media feed has been inundated with footage of Simmons’ rigorous workouts. Despite the cloud of doubt that lingers over the 3-time All-Star—largely due to his injury-riddled past—there remains a fervent hope among many that the enigmatic forward can reclaim his place amongst the league’s elite.
Brickley, for one, exudes unwavering faith in Simmons’ resurgence. The renowned trainer recently doubled down on his conviction, responding to a fan’s inquiry with a bold statement: “He’s better now than during his All-Star campaigns. I’ve never endorsed a player who didn’t deliver when the season tipped off. Trust me on this.”
Skepticism notwithstanding, Simmons has certainly fueled anticipation with his efforts, sparking intrigue about whether he can truly silence his detractors and transcend the limitations of his past.
However, recent online rumors have stirred the pot even further, claiming that Simmons had been traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Golden State Warriors. These rumors were perpetuated by a viral post from a parody account masquerading as an NBA insider, Aaron Rosenberg of ESPN. The tweet, crafted in a manner reminiscent of Adrian Wojnarowski’s famous “Woj bombs,” proclaimed, “BREAKING: The Brooklyn Nets are trading Ben Simmons to the Golden State Warriors, sources tell ESPN.”
Unsurprisingly, this report garnered significant attention, momentarily fooling a portion of the internet due to its resemblance to Wojnarowski’s familiar reporting style. However, a thorough investigation by the team at EssentiallySports debunked the claims. It turns out that the @aaronespn account is a parody, and no such trade has occurred.
But who exactly is this Aaron Rosenberg? His bio on X (formerly Twitter) cheekily declares, “ESPN NBA Insider, stepping in after the legendary Adrian Wojnarowski. Bringing you the latest and most accurate NBA news, trades, and updates. •parody/satire.” Despite this clear disclaimer, the tweet’s believability was bolstered by Wojnarowski’s recent departure from ESPN, adding an air of authenticity to Rosenberg’s fabricated scoop.
As for Wojnarowski, the veteran reporter has indeed stepped away from his post at ESPN, but his new endeavor lies in the world of collegiate athletics. The 55-year-old is now assuming a role as General Manager for St. Bonaventure’s men’s basketball program—his alma mater. Reflecting on his new journey, Wojnarowski expressed his excitement: “It’s an incredible honor to return to a university and community that holds such a special place in my heart. In this new role, I hope to contribute meaningfully to our student-athletes, coaches, and the institution. I’m eager to create opportunities for our young men, both on and off the court.”
The transition marks a significant chapter for Wojnarowski, but the allure of his journalistic legacy remains, as does the ripple effect it continues to have on the basketball world—even through parody.