Ben Simmons Could Breath a Sigh of Relief as Shaquille O’Neal’s Bloodbath of Hate Finally Come to an End With 1 Answer

Names are floating for the next NBA Awards and people want to know who are some of the frontrunners according to NBA stars. Shaquille O’Neal, who has a few awards on his resume, made some picks of his own. One of his choices was mildly surprising for the player he picked. Shaq, after all, not been the kindest in his constructive criticism about Ben Simmons.

The former no. 1 pick has been the target of Shaq’s commentary for most of his career. Often not limited to his on-court life. So to get some degree of praise from O’Neal is a big deal.

Shaquille O’Neal makes his shocking pick for DPOY

Shaq and a few other NBA legends were asked about their predictions for the top NBA Awards next season. It was the four-time champion’s pick for the Defensive Player of the Year that raised a few eyebrows. Not because it was arguable, but because he uttered the name in a complimentary context.

Shaq has been critical of Ben Simmons on many levels. But he is the 15-time All-Star’s choice for DPOY at the next NBA Awards. Simmons has come close to this honor before and could possibly get voted again for it. In 2021, he was edged out by Utah’s Rudy Gobert and came a close second.

O’Neal too is no small fry in this space. He won Rookie of the Year in 1992-93 and the MVP Award in 2000 after his first championship. The TNT analyst has a decent pulse of the current sphere of talent to believe Simmons is a good fit for DPOY.

It’s their love-hate relationship that makes this praise hard to digest. He was not sympathetic about Ben’s injury. After Shaq called him a “crybaby,” they apparently had a heated exchange in DMs.

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Most recently, Shaq didn’t think Simmons is worth the $177 million contract he’s on. Apparently, Simmons getting a $37 million salary from the Brooklyn Nets despite getting sidelined by injuries didn’t sit right with Shaq.

His criticism of Simmons tends to get attention. The big man also has his moments of praising the 27-year-old.

 O’Neal has even gone after Simmons’ tastes in fashion. Regardless, he has occasionally had sound advice for the Nets player.

Shaq’s two cents for Ben Simmons

In 2022, Shaquille O’Neal was shaking his head at Ben Simmons for sitting on the bench in a $300,000 Gucci chain without playing his part on the court. However, his off-the-court romantic drama would earn Shaq’s empathy.

Simmons’ ex, Maya Jama was stirring trouble on Love Island and even taking jabs at Ben. Meanwhile he was demanding the engagement ring he bought her back. Shaq, who’s own divorce from Shaunie played out on Basketball Wives, told Simmons to keep his dignity and let go.

“If you are dumb enough to buy a million-dollar damn ring, and she breaks up with your dumba**, she gets to keep it. Come on. Stop it,” was his message to Simmons before telling everyone to never spend that much on a ring.

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Even Shaq’s heartfelt advice to Simmons sounds abrasive. No wonder it’s hard to digest he believes Simmons is DPOY-worthy. Do you agree with O’Neal’s pick?