Stephen A. Smith Blasts Ben Simmons’ Interest in Returning to Play: “The Biggest Waste of Talent in NBA History”
Ben Simmons teased his NBA comeback after sitting out the 2025-26 season.
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Stephen A. Smith on Ben Simmons (Image credits - Firstsportz)
When Ben Simmons was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, many believed they had selected a generational talent. His combination of height, athleticism, and passing ability saw him being compared to LeBron James.
With Joel Embiid at center, it was expected that the two stars would lead the 76ers for years to come. It started off well with Simmons winning the Rookie of the Year award and was selected as an All-Star thrice. However, his career fell apart after his final season with the franchise.
He had a couple of stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers, but it did not work out. It has been over a year since Simmons last played in the NBA. However, in a recent interview, he said he plans to return to the league soon.
NBA analyst Stephen A. Smith was against the idea of Simmons playing in the NBA again.
I think Ben Simmons is a basketball abomination. He is the only player that I have ever witnessed in NBA history, who I believe should pay NBA teams to have him play. This brother was literally on the basketball court, attempting a jump shot as if you had asked him to be on the front lines in Iran or Iraq. The biggest waste of talent we have seen in NBA history. Never has somebody been so damn good — that good — and was a waste of space.
Stephen A. Smith on The Stephen A. Smith Show
The Biggest Waste of Talent in NBA History: Ben Simmons!
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) June 29, 2026
Click the link to watch full discussion: https://t.co/9JK0PiRaAX pic.twitter.com/w1BMlpbKQr
Stephen A. Smith is well known for not shying away from speaking his mind. Smith was critical of Ben Simmons and his commitment to the game of basketball.
He has been an unrestricted free agent for over a year now, but he has not signed with any club since. A few months ago, it was reported that he was even contemplating retirement. He has faced a lot of criticism in his last three years in the NBA.
Ben Simmons needed to get away to find himself again
There is no doubt that Ben Simmons is a talented player. He is an elite passer and can guard multiple positions. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team twice and also led the league in steals once. However, his fear of shooting the ball played a role in his downfall.
Simmons has suffered from mental health issues after his final season with the 76ers. Things have been difficult for him since, but it seems he is ready to go after missing the entire 2025-26 campaign.
He sat down for an interview with Men’s Health and explained why he needed to take a break to find himself.
What if I wanna take some time for myself and put myself in the best position to play [again]? If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. But this is what feels right….I needed to get away, and have some space, and just find myself again. When you have a lot of things that are not going right for you in terms of what you love to do, you gotta put yourself in a different environment.
Ben Simmons in an interview with Men’s Health
In December last year, Simmons made news when he purchased a majority ownership stake in the South Florida Sails Angling Club. They are a fishing team that competes in the Sport Fishing Championship. But it looks like he is ready to play basketball at a high level again.
Ben Simmons teases playing for the 76ers or the Miami Heat next season
Ben Simmons played four seasons for the 76ers. He led them to the postseason three times but never took them past the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He is raring to go after being away for over a year.
When asked about his return to the NBA, he said:
I plan on getting as strong as I can physically, getting my ass on the court, and then the team realizing that my abilities will be needed. I don’t have a plan on where. Maybe I’ll go back to Philly. Miami would be nice. And not because it’s Miami—I like Erik Spoelstra, I like the Heat, I like their organization, I like the culture.
Ben Simmons in an interview with Men’s Health
Simmons has a long way to go before he can convince clubs that he is ready to compete and contribute at a high level once again. He seems to be in a good place mentally at the moment. It will be interesting to see whether he ends up in a club this offseason.
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