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Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images
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Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images
Brooklyn Nets star Ben Simmons was one of the major talking points of last two seasons. He was bashed mercilessly in the media for his actions and his antics with his former team. In fact, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was one of his biggest critics.
All the Simmons slander started all the way back during the 2020-21 season playoffs. The Philadelphia 76ers took on the Atlanta Hawks in the playoffs when it all went downhill for Simmons.
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Simmons had the opportunity to execute a dunk which he failed. Subsequently, he was bashed by the fans and the media alike with O’Neal calling Simmons out for his excuses.
On the latest episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq, the former NBA champion ranted about Simmons again. Shaq said, “That’s an excuse. I don’t give a damn if Michael Jordan is on your back.”
“You throw it down, it’s the playoffs. I don’t wanna hear no excuses,” he added.
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 06: Shaquille O’Neal appears to promote “Toys for Tots” during the AOL BUILD Series at AOL HQ on December 6, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Donna Ward/Getty Images)
The four-time NBA champion went on, “You are 6’9″, one of the strongest guys in the league, you can overpower little guys and you are compatible and may be equal to some of these big guys. Because there is only one real big guy in the league and guess what? He is on your team.“
The ‘big guy’ here is none other than Joel Embiid. The 7 feet tall Philadelphia 76ers star was one of the best players last season and he was also regarded as the next Shaquille O’Neal considering his physicality and style of play.
Shaquille O’Neal called out Ben Simmons for his antics
Ben Simmons had cited mental health issues as one of the biggest reasons behind his fallout with the 76ers. This wasn’t taken well by Shaquille O’Neal. He criticized the Australian for sitting on the bench while wearing expensive outfits and accessories.
The former Los Angeles Lakers star and Simmons have since feuded openly. With the 2022-23 NBA season right around the corner, Ben Simmons will be looking to prove critics like Shaq wrong.
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Do you think Ben Simmons can redeem himself this season? Let us know in the comments down below.
