James Harden‘s name has been synonymous with controversies lately. The Beard has been in the crosshairs with his team over the last few months. At first, he didn’t even attend the team’s preseason rituals but at last made his way to the camp. Additionally, his absence in the preseason games was another point of concern for the Philadelphia 76ers.

While the Harden saga continues to unfold, another athlete has jumped on the radar. Ben Simmons of the Brooklyn Nets was recently blasted by ex-coach. Although Simmons’ story is different from Harden’s, his “love” for the game of basketball is in question.

Ex-76ers coach exposes James Harden

Harden is arguably one of the best players to ever grace this game. However, over the last few months, his name has been used in criticism more than to praise him. Harden’s extension with the 76ers was a major point of concern for him but after their loss last season, the negotiation talks took a backseat. This planted the seed for what would go on to create several controversies and is still ongoing. Meanwhile, his ex-coach recently chimed in on the experience of having Harden as a player.

Doc Rivers was with the 76ers till the last conference semifinals. After their loss to the Boston Celtics, Rivers was fired from his job which created yet another uproar. However, Coach Rivers was recently on the Dan Patrick Show where he talked about Harden and Simmons. When asked about who was more frustrating to deal with, Rivers said “Maybe James. Only because James can”. The coach was referring to Harden’s ability to give his all in a game. He said, “When he did we were great”, and that Harden is an athlete who loves the game of basketball.

Whereas for Simmons, Rivers believes that he is just a good basketball player but doesn’t really love the game.

Read More: 4 Days After Bragging About His Professionalism, James Harden?s Latest Antics Against the 76ers Unveiled

Doc Rivers elaborates on the Ben Simmons comment

The 62-year-old said, “Ben was frustrating a whole different way”. As per Rivers, Simmons lacks the ability to change the fate of the game on his own. Which is why, even if Simmons was frustrated, it didn’t bother him much. Coach Rivers said, “The playoffs always expose these guys who really love it”. He said that if there is a genuine love for the game, the pressure of playoff games will “eat you up”.

However, the coach thinks Simmons is “a freak of nature”, but his mentality, fitness, and love for the game are what keeps him away from being great.

Do you think Simmons has the skill and power to be one of the greats? Let us know!

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