Ben Simmons’ NBA career continued its downward trajectory last season as the former All-Defense guard appeared in only 15 games for the Brooklyn Nets in 2023-24.
Lingering back injuries have completely sapped Simmons of the abilities he once boasted as a max contract player for the Philadelphia 76ers.
His exit from the franchise was marred by controversy and frustration, but when it comes to injuries, all Simmons can do is rehab and hope for improvement. Unfortunately, that hasn’t worked out so far.
Despite not being on the court, Simmons hasn’t been shielded from the criticism that has followed him since the infamous Sixers-Atlanta Hawks playoff series, where he and his team collapsed with a conference finals appearance on the line.
Fast forward to 2024, and Simmons is still the subject of harsh words, this time from former teammate Georges Niang.
Niang appeared on Richard Jefferson’s Road Trippin’ podcast and was asked if anyone in the NBA rubbed him the wrong way. He seized the moment to express his feelings about Simmons holding out ahead of the 2021-22 season to force a trade from Philadelphia. Niang’s sentiments were bluntly summed up with, “F— that guy.”
“In Philly, it was the— and I don’t want to beat a dead horse with it, because I actually feel bad at this point— the Ben Simmons thing. That pissed me off because guys are trying to make a living, right? I came from Utah, I signed, like, just a little over the minimum and I’m like, ‘This is perfect.’ I’m a spot-up shooter. This guy f—ing drives to the lane, everybody collapses, he kicks out. I was like, ‘This is going to be great for my career.’ I signed a two-year deal and then he was like, ‘I’m not playing.'”
Niang went on to describe how he would greet Simmons around the team facilities, as the 76ers attempted to “welcome him back in.” Simmons would merely respond with a nod, which cemented Niang’s negative feelings. “That’s when I was like, f— this dude. If I get an opportunity to play against this dude, I’m just going to be an a–hole.”
RELATED: Ben Simmons Gets Roasted For His Briefcase At The Met Gala
Niang’s perspective is a stark reminder that situations like the Simmons trade saga affect everyone involved, not just the player at the center of the controversy.
In Niang’s case, he bet his financial future on playing alongside one of the game’s top passers, only for Simmons to refuse to participate. There was nothing Niang or his teammates could do but adapt and hope for the best.
Ultimately, Niang’s situation resolved favorably. Simmons was traded later that season for James Harden, an even better passer whose presence on the court allowed Niang more open shots. This partnership led to Niang signing a three-year, $25 million deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers last offseason.
While it all worked out for Niang, the same cannot be said for Simmons. His career remains in a precarious position, with his back injuries and ongoing criticism casting a long shadow.
It’s unlikely that Niang will be the last former teammate to voice their grievances about Simmons’ tumultuous time in Philadelphia.
