Simmons returns to the NBA, Stephen A. Smith: “He should have to pay”

Ben Simmons’ return to the NBA was one of the biggest storylines of the offseason, a possibility that had divided NBA insiders from the start. Yesterday afternoon, when that possibility became reality with the Australian signing with the Sacramento Kings, controversy immediately erupted across the American media landscape.

Among the most critical voices regarding the Kings’ decision was Stephen A. Smith, who has made no secret of his dislike for Simmons in recent years. The ESPN journalist’s main target is the player’s apparent lack of effort during his final NBA seasons.

I saw one of the greatest talents out there in him. We’re talking about a 6-foot-10 guy who, and I’m not exaggerating, was basically ambidextrous. He could dribble, pass and defend at an exceptional level. He could do everything except shoot. He was something special. Then, somehow, something happened in his head and he started treating shooting the ball as if they were asking him to go to the front lines in Afghanistan…

Stephen A. Smith

After those comments, Smith delivered his real shot at the former Sixers star, arguing that Simmons should actually be paying Sacramento for the opportunity he has been given.

He should be the first NBA player to pay a team to wear its uniform, considering the way he’s robbed people for years while pretending to be an NBA player, when in reality he was afraid of his own shadow

Stephen A. Smith

As excessive as those comments undoubtedly are, it’s hard to deny that Ben Simmons’ downfall is one of the most frustrating stories in the NBA over the past several years. Especially when you think about the player we saw at the beginning of his career.

That infamous missed layup in the 2021 NBA Playoffs against the Atlanta Hawks, perhaps even more than his recurring back problems – which the Kings believe are now behind him – has become the defining image of his decline. Simmons seemingly had everything needed to become one of the faces of the NBA, yet within just a few years he found himself on the verge of falling out of the league.

The hope is that we can at least see a more decisive and confident player, because his talent has never been in question. If he can make that mental leap, perhaps we could catch glimpses again of the phenomenal player he once was – although, realistically, that version of Simmons may no longer exist.