76ers’ Ben Simmons Feels the Jazz Were ‘Disrespectful’ for Putting Rudy Gobert on Him

The Philadelphia 76ers lost tonight despite a career-high from two-time All-Star Ben Simmons. He dropped 42 points against the Utah Jazz, but that wasn’t enough to prevent an 11-point loss for them.

Simmons isn’t the typical point guard. He is 6’10, which makes it tough for the average point guard to guard him. He also excels in the post, which forces opposing teams to switch assignments.

The Jazz also did the same and put two-time DPOY Rudy Gobert on Simmons, but the Frenchman couldn’t contain him tonight. Simmons shot 14-24 from the field, and went to the line 13 times, while converting 12 of those attempts.

During the post-game interview, Simmons then mocked Gobert and the Jazz for this move. He said, “I saw Rudy was guarding me, I mean, I love going at someone like that. I felt like it was a bit disrespectful putting him on me, but it is what it is.”

Was this statement a bit arrogant from Ben Simmons?

After 25 games, Simmons is averaging a mere 15 points per game. One could say that the 76ers don’t need much more from him considering they are the first seed in the East. But the Jazz still chose to put their best defender on him. There is no greater respect than to put a two-time DPOY, possibly three this season, on a player.

This is why it is a bit surprising that Simmons would make those comments. He may have destroyed his matchup, but he eventually lost the game. The 76ers fell short, and Simmons’ career-game wasn’t enough.

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Can the Philadelphia 76ers win without Joel Embiid?

While they lost their previous two games despite having Joel Embiid, tonight’s loss was another reminder of how they struggle without him on the team. His MVP form has got them to the number one seed, but their 1-5 record without him speaks volumes. He missed out tonight due to a back problem, which is probably a result of him carrying the team.

The 76ers host fellow strugglers, Rockets, in their next game, as they aim to end their three-game losing streak. If Embiid returns in time, they will be able to breeze through with a comfortable win and build momentum once again.