In one of the least-surprising moves so far this season, Ben Simmons – formerly of the Philadelphia 76ers – is now in Brooklyn. And even though Simmons got what he wanted, Shaq still has some important questions.
It all started with some not-so-kind questions and comments on Simmons’ play and attitude from former Sixers teammate Joel Embiid and team coach Doc Rivers after the 2021 playoffs. After that, Simmons basically said he was done playing in Philly… putting his career (and millions of dollars) on the line.
Now the big trade is done. James “The Beard” Harden goes to the Sixers, Simmons to the Nets. Things should calm down now, but some people – including our man Shaq – say they won’t forget all the drama Simmons stirred up in his efforts to escape.
On a recent edition of TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” O’Neal talked about the personality issues of the move. On what some are calling a big message on about mental fortitude and strength:
“As a superstar, as a professional NBA player, we don’t always get our way. The problem started when Doc made the comment, he was upset, backlash, and then the mental health thing came in. There’s a difference between mental health and mental fortitude. You know, I am not comparing him to me, but you don’t think I have heard we can’t win with Shaq?” You don’t think I’ve heard ‘Shaq’s not worth $120M?’ You don’t think I heard ‘don’t throw it to Shaq, D-Wade, you shoot?’ I’ve heard it all and what makes us great is we learn how to persevere around all of that.”
He continued: “Not gonna get into the mental health thing because I was in L.A. yesterday and I’ve seen real mental health. How many homeless people out there and you just talk to them and like they have problems that we don’t know about. I wish him well, I wish him the best, but that is when the problem started. It just started as a petty situation and then you throw the mental health thing in. And I’m happy for him. But the question is, if this problem arises again what are you going to do? You don’t think I get emails and posts and death threats? I done heard it all. I got booed before. I just wish if this situation ever comes around that he has a tough enough mental fortitude to be able to get through it.”
Some of those comments relate to how – at one point – Simmons cited mental health issues as the reason for his absence from the 76ers. There were hints that he had been off the court, not just between the lines.
Either way, it made for an interesting storyline. It seems certain that some of the noise from fans – and his own teammates – probably got into his head.
Now there’s going to be some extra spotlight wattage on him with the move to Brooklyn. Will he settle down and be the great player he’s capable of becoming? He does look more happy and confident with the Nets. Maybe a positive sign of a better player to come.
Here’s the full video of Shaq’s thoughts: