Brooklyn Nets small forward Ben Simmons has had a rough couple of years. He was criticized for his under-performance to being traded to the Nets. However, he has nothing but sweet memories of his time with the Philadelphia 76ers. But the 27-year-old has spent the majority of the last two years on the sidelines due to injuries after his disappointing game against the Atlanta Hawks.?

The 3-time All-Star player lately showed enthusiasm for a comeback. And now that he is in the best shape in the last two years, a famous American sports analyst is annoyed with his jabbering and wants him to prove himself on the court.?

Stephen A. Smith calls Ben Simmons ?Mr. Irrelevant?

In a recent interview with Andscape, Ben Simmons revealed that he is excited to come back. He has been practising and getting back in shape. After overcoming several injuries and mental health problems, he is finally feeling good enough to return.?

Like others, Stephen A. Smith is glad to see Simmons making progress, but he is a little tired of just hearing words from him. During the entire 2021-22 season, Brooklyn Net?s star was only part of 42 games and averaged 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game.?

Expressing his frustration, Smith said, ?I?m pretty pissed off with Ben Simmons right now. I think Ben Simmons at this particular moment is trifling as hell.??Smith berated the young player, saying, ?But I have a problem with him because he?s talking before he actually does. This brother has been basketball?s version of Mr. Irrelevant for the last two years.?

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Smith however did acknowledge Simmons’s skills on the court. But after his under-delivery against the Atlanta Hawks and missing most of the games in the last two years, Smith wants to see Simmons actually play.??Tremendous basketball player,” the analyst asserted. “And to be clear, ain?t shit as a competitor. Enough of the talk. I want to see Ben Simmons playing basketball. Period.?

Ben Simmons expresses his love for Philly

Ben Simmons entered the NBA as a very promising athlete. The Sixers drafted him as the number 1 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He has several awards in his name, including two All-Defensive Team and three All-Star selections. However, following the 2021 playoffs, during which he received harsh criticism, things began to go downhill.

He then demanded a trade to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden. Despite everything, Simmons has nothing but kind words for the City of Brotherly Love. And even after all the chaos, with the Sixers withholding $20 million of his salary and the subsequent lawsuit, Simmons would still return to Philly. He said, ?I?ll always have love for Philly. People always ask me like, ?If you were to get traded again where you want it to be?? I always say, ?Just Philly. Philly is a second home to me.???

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With this renewed enthusiasm, Ben Simmons is looking forward to joining the 2023-24 NBA season and is also likely to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hopefully, fans will get to witness his greatness and versatility on the court once again.