Ben Simmons recently got traded to the Brooklyn Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers. Simmons had refused to play for the Sixers after the infamous incident of the playoffs last season. The Sixers got eliminated from the playoffs because of Simmons’ irregular performances.

The Sixers coach and teammates called out Ben Simmons for not improving his shooting after they got eliminated. Consequently, Simmons took that personally and refused to play for the Sixers franchise. He made his intention clear that he wanted to be traded.

Recently, Charles Barkley talked about Ben Simmons‘ hiatus from the NBA on the Rich Eisen Show. Charles holds the opinion that if you want to be rich and successful in NBA, you have to be able to handle the pressure.

All the NBA players have faced hate and criticism at one point or the other. Moreover, if players are being paid millions of dollars, they do have some obligations towards their organization.

Chuck said, “These guys, they want all this money…… If you don’t want no pressure, you need to get a 9 to 5 job…….. But if you wanna be rich and famous there is a tremendous amount of pressure on you to perform.”

These words, however insensitive they may be, are according to many true. Basketball is a real emotional and competitive sport. Players need to have a tough mentality to be able to survive in the league.

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Ben Simmons’ contract

Ben Simmons has a huge contract and many believe that he got paid way too much by the Sixers to not perform. Moreover, athletes play for the sport, but also for the fans. Philadelphia fans did not deserve to be left hanging. Additionally, Simmons also had an obligation to his fellow teammates.

Simmons signed a 170 million dollar extension with the Sixers back in 2019. Therefore, he is being paid roughly 30 million dollars annually.

The entire NBA salary is based on a player’s performance. Therefore, various fans have questioned what is the point of paying someone so much if they have no contribution?

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Chuck continues, “Now it’s even more because of the money they make. Get Paid Millions of Dollars, you’re gonna be under pressure, plain and simple. If you don’t want that pressure you can’t be rich and famous.”

Do you agree with Charles Barkley? Let us know.

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