Amid the criticism Ben Simmons is receiving from his haters, the Philly forward gave a passionate rant addressing the situation.
Last season, the Philadelphia 76ers had a shocking end to their year. Against the Celtics, the 76ers had an early first-round exit in the playoffs, getting swept 4-0. However, this year has been a great redemption season for the 76ers as of now.
Advertisement
With their leader Joel Embiid playing at an MVP level, the team has one of the best records in the whole league. Despite Ben Simmons playing on an All-Star level, he has been in the limelight facing heavy criticism from his haters.
In a recent interview with GQ, Simmons revealed what he had to say to all his naysayers. The Australian forward stated how most people who hate on him, don’t even know about the sport, echoing Warriors’ forward Draymond Green:
“The thing with people is that they think they know something so well. And this guy thinks he knows basketball so well. And that may be because he watches the games but does he really know the game? Did he grow up playing the game? Has he been in different situations, has he run the point guard position, has he played at this level?”
“Like, everybody wants to feel like they know the game. And that’s just not the case. Draymond [Green] says it all the time. That’s not the case. Not everybody knows everything about something or as much as they think they know.”
“I’m at the stage of my career now where I try to ignore everybody”: Ben Simmons
Like most NBA players, early in their career, Ben Simmons revealed how he use to check Twitter and hear what his haters had to say. However, amid the recent hate he has been receiving, the 3-time All-Star stated how he tries to ignore all the resentment. Ben revealed:
“And for me? I can’t worry about that. Because, right now, we’re first [in the Eastern Conference]. If I was doing something completely wrong, I don’t think we’d be in this position. Right now, we’re sitting first. And hopefully gonna end first this season. As long as I keep my mind straight and focus on the things I need to do for my team, and teammates, then we’re fine.”
“When I first came into the league, I read a lot more of it. But I’m at the stage now where I try to ignore everybody. I don’t go on Twitter. I don’t read too much into what people are saying about me. I don’t watch ESPN. I don’t watch SportsCenter, none of that. They’ll tell you, if someone puts ESPN in my house it’s going straight off.”
Hate Ben Simmons and his Sixers all you want, there is a reason they are the best team in the Eastern Conference. Ben has been averaging an incredible 14.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game.
With only 16 games left in their regular season, Philly would want to finish the season strong while clinching the number one seed entering the playoffs.
