Let me just start off by saying that TMZ is annoying and paparazzi are extremely annoying. This guy in the video tracking down Doc Rivers to ask him questions about Ben Simmons while telling Rivers that he’s a great coach like he’s some Hollywood celebrity that needs positive reinforcement is the definition of cringe.

However, Rivers did answer a question about Ben Simmons, who as we all know is a trending topic around the world. It’s July 4th weekend. Everyone is out enjoying the holiday today and I’m here, searching the depths of the internet to bring you any and all news about Philadelphia sports. Land of the free, home of the brave baby.

Let’s roll the footage.

Rivers stated that “Ben is great” and that “I want him back. He’s terrific. He’ll be great.”. He continued saying that “I think he doesn’t need a lot of fixing. He’s gonna be great for us. He’ll be great.”

Rivers, clearly annoyed by this dude hounding him while he’s walking down the street, is clearly just brushing him off as quickly as possible with the most political response possible. I wonder if anyone, from the paparazzi to actual members of the media, think that the 76ers head coach Doc Rivers is just going to immediately start saying to a random dude who’s stalking him on the street that “Ben Simmons needs to be traded. He can’t shoot. I can’t fix him.” Obviously, this was the only answer you were going to get from Doc Rivers.

Simmons has recently been brought up in trade talks after a disappointing playoff series against the Atlanta Hawks where he refused to shoot the basketball or make any foul shots. The 76ers reportedly turned down a trade from the Pacers already.

In other TMZ-type news, Ben Simmons bought a $17.5 million house in California.

This is what happens on the weekends. These are the stories we are left with. Happy 4th of July. Cheers.

Mandatory Credit: CBS Sports