Shaquille O’Neal Advises Ben Simmons to Learn From Mike Tyson: “If You Can’t Upset Me, That Means You Can’t Own Me. I Just Don’t Get Mad Anymore”

Published 02/05/2022, 11:00 AM EST

Shaquille O’Neal revealed on his podcast that Ben Simmons messaged him on Instagram. Ben Simmons messaged Shaq because of the comments made by him earlier. Shaq had called Ben Simmons a ‘crybaby‘ as he refused to play for the Philadelphia 76ers.

The 76ers was a championship caliber team when Ben Simmons was playing along with Joel Embiid. They were on track to become a championship team within a few years. However, now Joel Embiid is the only superstar on the team. Many believe that Joel Embiid’s peak is being wasted due to Ben Simmons not playing.

On a recent episode of ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq‘, Shaq seemed to have some words of advice for the young star. Shaq reiterated Mike Tyson’s mentality and quoted him. Mike Tyson had said “If you can’t upset me, that means you can’t own me. I just don’t get mad anymore”. This is the advice Shaq has for Ben Simmons.

Article continues below this ad

Ben Simmons stopped playing because his coach, Doc Rivers called him out after the infamous loss of the 76ers against the Hawks in the playoffs. Simmons failed to handle the criticism and the hate from the 76ers fanbase. Shaq has quite rightly advised him to stop being bothered by it. All the great players have been hated on, it is just a part of the sport.

WATCH THIS STORY: When Tiger Woods Surprisingly Caddied for His Son Charlie!

Ben Simmons’ performance before the hiatus

Ben Simmons always lacked the ability to be a three-point shooter. However, he was one of the rising stars of the game. He has a great basketball IQ which enabled him to be a good playmaker and made a lot of assists. Simmons was one of the driving forces for the 76ers.

Simmons was the number one pick in the 2016 NBA draft. This shows that NBA authorities always believed he had the potential to be a great player. He has averaged 15.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 7.7 assists. The Australian even managed to have an extremely good 56% field goal percentage.

Article continues below this ad

Ben Simmons is 6’11 and weighs 240 pounds. However, he was one of the most explosive players in the league. He knew how to use his speed and athleticism perfectly. The 76ers were 42-16 when Simmons played with the team last season. Ben Simmons is not the best young player, and there is definitely room for improvement. However, he does have a lot of potential.

Article continues below this ad

NBA Rumors: Kevin Durant Major Reason Behind James Harden’s Potential Exit From Brooklyn Nets

Ben Simmons needs to take Shaq’s advice and get over his fear of criticism. The franchise needs him now more than ever.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Abhinav Bhalla is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a 5th year law student and has had a passion for Basketball and NBA since his early childhood. He has competed at school, university and national levels himself, and has a deep analytical appreciation for the sport.

Shaquille O’Neal Advises Ben Simmons to Learn From Mike Tyson: “If You Can’t Upset Me, That Means You Can’t Own Me. I Just Don’t Get Mad Anymore”

Ben Simmons’ performance before the hiatus

Trending

Draymond Green ‘Disappointed’ In Anthony Davis For Throwing Darvin Ham Under The Bus On Live TV

Are Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd Set to Welcome New Teammate? Meet UConn’s Target 5 Star Recruit Jacy Abii

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

Is Zion Williamson Playing Tonight VS. OKC Thunder After Hinting at ‘Realistic’ Return?

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment