‘Punk Move’: Stephen A. Smith, Barkley, Shaq and More Annihilate Ben Simmons for Sitting Out Playoff Game
When ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sunday that Brooklyn Nets forward Ben Simmons would be out for Game 4 of the first round of the NBA playoffs, no one was surprised. NBA analysts were more annoyed and irate — coming out in full force against the injured player.
Simmons has been in the limelight of controversy for almost a year now, after falling short with the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs last season, the 6’10” point forward was traded to Brooklyn where he has yet to play a game this season as he recovers from a back injury.
But a host of critics lined up to question his competitiveness. The bashing started with Stephen A. Smith, going off on NBA Countdown Sunday, calling it one of “the most pathetic situations that I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Other talking heads followed suit, including former players Reggie Miller and Kendrick Perkins, taking to Twitter to show their displeasure in Simmons.
Cmon MAN!!! Out for Game 4 when it was rumored you were going to make your debut. This dude has ZERO competitive 🔥.. As small a chance as the Nets have to come back in this series, you still have KD and Kyrie, all you need is to win ONE game and take it from there.. #ManUp pic.twitter.com/Y5smcnQkqZ
— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) April 24, 2022
Ben Simmons has officially completed the biggest heist in NBA history. He really sat out an entire season! Carry on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) April 24, 2022
Ben Simmons out for game 4. Man, heartbreaking to lose a reliable teammate in crisis.
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) April 24, 2022
Ben Simmons now targeting Game 7 or Game 8. Details to come.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 24, 2022
Shaquille O’Neal and the NBA On TNT crew later commented on Simmons and his situation, calling it a “punk move” on national television.
The Simmons bashing came full circle Monday as Stephen A. Smith added to his original take Monday on Twitter.
I can’t even front. Won’t try to. I’m ON ONE today. Between the @BrooklynNets, @KDTrey5, KYRIE and BEN SIMMONS, honest to God I don’t know what I’m going to say this morning. I just don’t know. See y’all on @FirstTake.
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 25, 2022
Watch the full videos above via ABC and TNT
