Sports · Full coverage
Stephen A. Smith Criticizes Ben Simmons as He Plans NBA Return
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
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First reported by Mako · Jun 30, 2026
What happened
Ben Simmons plans an NBA comeback after a year off due to injury and mental health issues, but ESPN's Stephen A. Smith strongly criticized him as a wasted talent and questioned his commitment. Simmons last played in April 2025 and has struggled since leaving Philadelphia for Brooklyn.
- 01Ben Simmons plans to return to the NBA after missing last season due to injury and mental health.
- 02Stephen A. Smith called Simmons the biggest disgrace in basketball history during a live broadcast.
- 03Smith claimed Simmons is the only NBA player who would have to pay a team to sign him.
- 04Simmons last played in April 2025 for the Clippers with poor season averages.
- 05Drafted first overall in 2016, Simmons was a three-time All-Star with Philadelphia.
- 06His performance declined sharply after joining Brooklyn in 2022 following an injury-plagued season.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.
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