Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Ben Simmons as He Plans NBA Return

Ben Simmons is preparing to return to the NBA after missing the entire previous season due to back problems and mental health struggles. However, his comeback plans have sparked sharp criticism from ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith, who harshly condemned the Australian player during a live broadcast. Smith called Simmons "the biggest disgrace" he has ever seen in basketball, claiming Simmons is the only NBA player who would need to pay a team to sign him rather than the other way around. He accused Simmons of fearing to shoot on the court and wasting immense talent.

Smith also criticized Simmons' attitude toward joining the Miami Heat, quoting him as saying he liked the team and coach Erik Spoelstra, but Smith dismissed this as insincere. He described Simmons as the greatest talent wasted in NBA history, if not all sports. Simmons last played on April 30, 2025, in a playoff game for the Los Angeles Clippers against Denver, finishing that season with averages of 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists.

Drafted first overall by Philadelphia in 2016, Simmons was a three-time All-Star from 2019 to 2021. He posted strong stats in his rookie season and maintained similar numbers during his four years with the 76ers. He missed the entire 2021-2022 season due to injury and joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2022, where his performance sharply declined. Simmons’ future in the NBA remains uncertain amid ongoing criticism and his health challenges.