Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons has endured a string of injuries over the past few years, leading many to view his mere presence on the court as a significant achievement. Once regarded as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, Simmons has struggled to live up to the expectations that come with his talent and hefty contract. Despite being paid like a top-tier player, there are many, including some high-profile critics, who feel Simmons hasn’t earned his paycheck.
One such critic is NBA legend and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, who didn’t hold back in a recent interview with his son, Myles O’Neal, for Complex. When asked to name the worst NBA player of all time, Shaq took a jab at two players—one of them being Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert. However, it was Shaq’s harsh words for fellow LSU alum Ben Simmons that grabbed the most attention.
“Ben Simmons is another bum… if you sign a contract for $250 million, show me $250 million,” Shaq remarked, expressing frustration with Simmons’ lack of availability and impact on the court. Since inking his five-year, $177 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2019, Simmons has earned over $145 million in salary but has only appeared in 172 games over the past five seasons. His absences, whether due to injury or other issues, have fueled criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Shaq didn’t stop there, drawing a stark contrast between his own career and the perceived lack of effort from today’s highly paid players. “There’s a reason why I walk funny,” O’Neal explained. “Why I can’t turn my neck, and why I can’t do it because I played for my $120 million. So, you got guys like him that [expletive] the system.”
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This isn’t the first time Shaq has called out Simmons. O’Neal, known for his blunt commentary, has been vocal in the past about Simmons’ struggles and his inability to stay on the floor consistently.
The criticism resonates with many who feel Simmons has yet to live up to the enormous potential he showcased during his early years in Philadelphia. Simmons has been plagued by physical injuries, as well as mental health challenges, which became a major point of discussion during his time with the 76ers.
But Shaq is far from the only high-profile media figure to criticize Simmons. ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has been one of Simmons’ most vocal critics, frequently calling him out for what he perceives as a lack of commitment and mental toughness. Smith, along with others, highlighted Simmons’ issues with the 76ers, which culminated in his trade to the Brooklyn Nets. His struggles in Philadelphia, both on and off the court, became a focal point for sports media, and Simmons has yet to fully escape the shadow of those difficult years.
Despite the onslaught of criticism, Simmons and the Nets remain hopeful that the upcoming season will be a turning point in his career.
After dealing with injuries and inconsistency, the team is banking on a healthy Simmons to regain the form that once made him a two-time NBA All-Star and one of the league’s most versatile defenders. For Simmons, the 2024 season presents an opportunity to silence his critics and prove that he’s still capable of being a game-changer.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Simmons to see if he can finally deliver on the court, stay healthy, and perform at the level expected of him.
Whether he can turn things around remains to be seen, but the pressure from voices like Shaq and Stephen A. Smith will undoubtedly add fuel to his quest for redemption.
