Shaq calls Nets’ Ben Simmons a ‘bum’ for not playing in more games

Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons has had his fair share of bad luck with injuries in recent years, to the point where his presence on the court is seen as a career-defining step. While Simmons has been paid like a star player in recent seasons, some people aren’t buying it.

In an interview with Complex’s Myles O’Neal, NBA legend and basketball Hall-of-Famer Shaquille O’Neal was asked to pick the worst NBA player of all time. While the former LSU Tiger nominated Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert for the award, he also chose someone who also attended his alma mater.

“Ben Simmons is a bum too … if you sign a contract for 250 (million), show me 250,” O’Neal said when explaining why he chose Simmons for the award. Since signing a five-year, $177 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers in July 2019, Simmons has earned more than $145 million on the court but has also played in just 172 games over five seasons.

“There’s a reason why I walk funny,” O’Neale said. “Why I can’t turn my neck and why I can’t do it because I played before I was 120. So, you got guys like him who (expletive) the system.” This isn’t the first time Simmons has been criticized by O’Neal for not playing in more games and this certainly isn’t the first time Simmons has been criticized by a major media personality.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith has gotten a lot of attention for his criticism of Simmons in recent seasons, especially when Simmons struggled with both physical and mental health during his time in Philadelphia. This kind of criticism is nothing new for Simmons, and he and the Nets are hoping he can turn things around with a healthy campaign this coming season.

This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Shaq calls Nets’ Ben Simmons a ‘bum’ for not playing in more games