“Understand the difference between meath and fortitude” Shaquille O’Neal delivers cut-throat criticism on Ben Simmons ahead of Nets debut
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Shaquille O'Neal
By now, we have all heard of the blockbuster trade that went down between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets. James Harden was swapped in exchange for Ben Simmons, Seth Curry, and Andre Drummond. The trade did not seem to be going anywhere until the moments before the deadline.
Almost a week prior to the deadline, James Harden began to hint towards a potential move to Philly at that time. His behavior towards the Nets franchise made them understand that he was not happy with the situation involving his teammates. He felt that they were not hungry enough for a title and that he found that with the Sixers franchise.
As for Ben Simmons, his relationship with the Sixers went spiraling down due to many underlying internal issues. However, it seems that the point guard is in a better situation where he would not have to be pressured into being someone he is not comfortable being.
Shaquille O’Neal shares his personal stories regarding mental health as advice to Ben Simmons
Simmons had made his first press conference appearance since the trade took place. He commented on his relationship with the Sixers organization saying, “The mental health had nothing to do with the trade, it was a bunch of things I was dealing with as a person, in my personal life. But I am here no, it’s a blessing to be in an organization like this. I’m looking forward to getting back on the floor and doing something great here.”
Shaquille O’Neal took a minute to explain how Simmons should work past hardships and play the game. He said, “As a professional NBA player, we don’t always get our way. Doc made the comment, he was upset, backlash and then the mental health thing came in. There’s a difference between mental health and mental fortitude.”
He further commented on the situation with a few personal instances from his own career. He said, “Not comparing him to me but you don’t think I’ve heard we can’t in with Shaq? You don’t think I heard Shaq not worth 120? Don’t even throw it to Shaq, D-wade? What makes us great is we learn to persevere around all that. I was in LA yesterday, I’ve seen real mental health. It started as a petty situation and then you throw the mental health thing. I am happy for him. But the question is, if the problem arises again what are you gonna do?
Shaq brought out some really interesting points that Simmons could possibly use in the future as a professional. The NBA legend advises that Simmons should learn how to take the criticism or hate, and become better from that point on.
What will Ben Simmons have to do for the Brooklyn Nets?
It has been around eight months since the all-star player has stepped onto the court with a team. Of course, he will have to go through an assessment before making his debut for the Nets. “With him being out all season, its going to take some time to get in great basketball shape, but I think what he will provide is his defensive presence. I’m talking about to able to guard the one through five, playmaking ability and he has high basketball IQ,” said Tracy McGrady.
According to the former NBA player, Simmons will be able to bring such attributes to the court almost immediately but he says that the world wants to know if he has worked on his jump shot. “He’s already been averaging 18 without jumper and he got $40 million without a jumper. Hey, if you aint been working on it, do what you do,” said Shaq adding on to T-Mac’s words.
Simmons hopes to make his debut soon in time to be able to play against his former team early next month. Simmons has not spoken on when he will return but hopefully, we get to see him in action as quickly as he can.
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Rakibul John Rodgers
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