“Not How Sports Works”: Stephen A. Smith Calls Out Ben Simmons After Joel Embiid’s Comments

The Ben Simmons-Philadelphia 76ers situation has turned sour sooner than anyone expected it to. Following the team’s second-round loss against the Atlanta Hawks, talks about a trade increased. Simmons, four seasons into his NBA career, is now demanding to leave the Sixers–unwilling to play another day for the team.

Of course, his actions have made people speak up and give their opinion, which includes teammate Joel Embiid. The 27-year-old was vocal about what Simmons was to the team, even regretting a few decisions made.

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Stephen A. Smith on Ben Simmons wanting to leave the 76ers

Embiid’s comments about Simmons have been discussed, while some believe the 76ers and their staff could have handled the situation with Simmons in a better manner, others believe the 25-year-old should have taken the criticism in stride and focus on coming back stronger.

 

According to Smith,

Simmons has been appreciated, with people giving him a pass most of the time. However, him not doing his job is somehow someone else’s fault. Smith added that Shaquille O’Neal, Wilt Chamberlain, and Dennis Rodman shot better than Simmons from the free-throw line.

“You ain’t in no position to be feeling these things right now, Ben Simmons”.  

What did Joel Embiid have to say about Simmons?

 

“Our teams have always been built around his needs. So it’s just kind of surprising to see,” Embiid said. “Even going back to the reason we signed Al (Horford), we got rid of Jimmy (Butler), which I still think was a mistake, just to make sure he needed the ball in his hands”.

When the 76ers started the 2020-21 season, everyone expected them to at least reach the conference finals. The team lost round 2 to Atlanta Hawks in seven games. Simmons was called out for passing on a dunk that could have helped win them the game, something which even Doc Rivers and Embiid spoke about.

As a result, trade rumors intensified, along with Simmons’ resistance. The point guard has apparently not been speaking with the team and is ready to face any consequences for not playing. Simmons still has four years left on his contract left and will expect to be penalized for not attending the training camp.

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