Ben Simmons can’t catch a break. The Philadelphia 76ers disgruntled star is doing everything he can to force his way out of the team before the 2021/22 NBA season.
The Australian point guard refused to meet teammates to discuss his future, didn’t attend training camp, and won’t communicate with the team unless it’s to discuss a trade.
Simmons’ antics have earned him a lot of criticism recently, and everybody has something to say about him. Shaquille O’Neal recently called him out for getting paid $200 million and not showing up when his team most needs him.
Joel Embiid practically said the relationship with Simmons is over, as the team always tried to create rosters based on his needs, making big mistakes along the way. Stephen A. Smith reacted to these comments, going after Simmons, criticizing his free throw struggles to teach Ben a lesson.
My reaction to Joel Embiid's comments on Ben Simmons. pic.twitter.com/wnlqt8udTj
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) October 1, 2021
“The nerve of you! You don’t show up or work on your jump shot of free throws and you’re the victim? That’s not how sports work. You’re a victim when you do the job and you’re not appreciated for it. You shot 33% from the free-throw line, Shaquille O’Neal shot free throws better than you. Wilt Chamberlain shot free throws better than you, Dennis Rodman shot free throws better than you. So, Joel Embiid is like, what the h**l is going on here? You don’t want to play with me?'”
Just like Philly fans, Stephen A. is mad at Simmons. The player didn’t show up last season against the Atlanta Hawks, and plenty of people believe he was the reason why they lost that second-round series.
This offseason, the situation has gotten worse and nothing points out that Simmons will change his mind and return to the Wells Fargo Center after all these controversies.
Every day, a different person has something to say about Simmons. He’s patiently waiting to see when the Sixers will give up and find the best trade package for him. Meanwhile, he keeps training, trying to shock the world next season.
