Shaquille O’Neal calls CAP on back injury as he continues taking shots at Ben Simmons
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal sounds off on the Nets star Ben Simmons regarding the injuries in his NBA career on the Big Podcast.
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SHaquille O'Neal and Ben Simmons
NBA players and analysts have heavily criticized Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons‘ deal, with many calling it the league’s worst. Simmons has been plagued by ailments since his time with the Sixers, spending more time on the bench than on the court. Recently, former NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal also chimed in on Simmons, criticizing him for being too ‘sensitive’.
On ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq,’ O’Neal revealed a harsh truth about former NBA All-Star Ben Simmons. He said that the Brooklyn Nets star is a fragile player who hasn’t come to terms with being exposed as an opponent against the Atalanta Hawks in the 2021 NBA Playoffs. O’Neal recognized Simmons’ injury issues but says the 6’10” guard has faced mental challenges with his game since 2021.
Ben is sensitive right, he came in with a lot of hype… When he got exposed… When he didn’t want to shoot in Atlanta and he kept passing the ball, and everybody was jumping on him, he got exposed...Now the back thing I let that go the first year. I’m not letting that go three years in a row. This is 2024.Shaquille O’Neal said
After being picked first overall in 2016, Simmons emerged as one of the league’s most promising players. At 6’10”, he was an excellent playmaker, primarily playing point guard.
He was the Philadelphia 76ers’ future, as seen by his defensive and playmaking abilities. However, his career went downhill due to injuries and a lack of self-confidence.
Ben Simmons had a great start to his career but failed to deliver over time
Ben Simmons was one player in the NBA that many had tipped to be ‘The One’ when he was drafted first overall in the 2016 NBA Draft. Not only that, but he also made a promising start to his career in his first few years in the NBA. However, things did not go as planned for him as he suffered back-to-back injuries that have kept him out of the game.
Simmons had a tremendous first season, averaging 15.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. Many experts complimented Simmons for his excellent playmaking abilities and post presence. Ben Simmons appeared in three All-Star games while with the Sixers. However, his performance dipped after his awful shooting was exposed.
Simmons was eventually moved to the Brooklyn Nets but has struggled to remain healthy, suffering from ailments frequently. The NBA even punished him for skipping games, making him the league’s most monetarily penalized player.
Given this, many fans think Simmons can regain his All-Star form. It remains to be seen when Simmons returns to the court for the Nets this upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
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Kartik Mudaliar
(872 Articles Published)