The internet can be a brutal place at times. Thousands of well-known personalities get mocked on a daily basis online. Shaquille O’Neal, co-host of TNT’s Inside the NBA is also known to pull pranks and make fun of his colleagues. He is also one of the most vocal analysts, who is quite unapologetic in his takes. Recently, the four-time champion couldn’t resist roasting the first pick from the 2016 NBA Draft, Ben Simmons. The Brooklyn Nets player is not really considered a decent shooter, especially from beyond the arc. In fact, the guard/wing has only 5 made career three-pointers. It’s more than Shaq, but definitely a stand-out in the modern NBA.
Since retiring, Shaq has donned the hat of a basketball analyst. He has on several occasions criticized the 27-year-old player. In fact, Simmons has even labeled Shaquille O’Neal as a hater.
Shaquille O’Neal brings back an old burn for Big Ben
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Standing at 6’10, Ben Simmons is considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. His size and athleticism made him a fearsome prospect, especially as a point guard. Now, 7 years into his professional career, many fans feel he hasn’t lived up to the hype. Simmons, although a great defensive asset, has been considered a liability on the offensive side of the game.
This was called out by a prominent actor a few years ago. During the 2021 ESPY Awards, Hollywood star Anthony Mackie brutally roasted Simmons.
Mackie said, “Ben Simmons took home a special ESPY for his humanitarian work. Ben Simmons has been building Orphanages like this one completely out of his playoff bricks.”
He then called out two young children who announced to the crowd, “Thanks, Ben Simmons!”
He sarcastically poked fun at Ben’s inability to shoot the ball in the NBA playoffs. Shaquille O’Neal reuploaded the clip on his social media handle recently.
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This was not the first time Shaq poked Simmons. In fact, when some of Shaq’s comments instigated the Australian native to call Shaq a “hater”, Big Diesel clapped back. The Los Angeles Lakers legend explained, “If you’re greater, you can’t be a hater.”
Earlier this year, Shaq even slammed Simmons for an entirely off-court decision.
Shaq hits Ben Simmons with blunt advice
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Ben Simmons was engaged to get married to his partner. It was reported that Simmons gave her a million-dollar ring and wanted it back as the duo called their engagement off.
6 months ago, Shaq gave his blunt take on the matter, “He is demanding his million-dollar ring back. Do you think that is wrong? Do you think he is being petty?”
Big Diesel firmly stated, “I’m going on the record and say I wouldn’t take it back. If she was important enough for you to spend one million-dollar on an engagement ring, then she deserves that ring.”
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Shaq made it clear if her partner was worth that ring he shouldn’t ask for it back. What do you think?
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