Shaquille O’Neal Calls Out Ben Simmons: The Full Breakdown
Shaquille O’Neal’s recent remarks about Ben Simmons have sparked renewed criticism of the struggling guard. In response to Simmons’ sharp decline in his NBA2K25 rating from 87 to 66, O’Neal pointed out that the significant decrease still did not truly represent Simmons’ skills on the court.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Long-standing Disapproval
Shaquille O’Neal’s critique of Simmons is not a recent development; it is a part of his overall criticism of players he feels are earning more than their actual contribution on the court. Simmons, like Rudy Gobert, is under scrutiny from O’Neal for not meeting expectations despite their high-paying deals.
Personal and Professional Disappointment
Since Shaquille O’Neal and Simmons both went to LSU, Shaq’s disappointment probably comes from their common college background. The NBA has high expectations for LSU’s products, leading to O’Neal’s increased criticism of Simmons’ career path.
A Humorous Jab with Serious Intent
In a mix of humor and critique, Shaquille O’Neal joked about Ben Simmons’ knack for making big money even though he played few games because of injuries. His recommendation for Simmons to use “Icy Hot” highlights his annoyance with what he perceives as a lack of dedication.
Simmons has faced many injuries throughout his career, with a major lower back problem keeping him out for most of the last season. His exclusion from the Australian Olympic team and doubts about his preparedness for the upcoming NBA season add more complexity to his journey toward redemption.
While Simmons undergoes rehab and faces increasing criticism, the focus stays on his capability to recover and prove his worth in basketball. The NBA community closely observes Simmons as he tries to change the way people see him despite facing ongoing obstacles and doubt about his career in professional basketball.
