The Philadelphia 76ers and 25-year-old three-time All-Star Ben Simmons have been going back and forth since the team was eliminated in Game 7 of the East semifinals by the Atlanta Hawks. Simmons produced another poor playoff performance and the rumors flew.
Simmons officially requested a trade in late August, and he began a holdout. He ended that holdout on Oct. 11 when the heavy fines came in, and he has not exactly been cooperative since. He has been thrown out of practice, suspended for the season opener, claimed he is dealing with mental issues and begun seeing a mental professional.
But he failed to keep the Sixers in the loop, and the team grew frustrated with him again. The team resumed levying fines, and NBA legend Charles Barkley ripped Simmons for his actions.
Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, who is no stranger to controversy himself, called out both Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal for their criticism of Simmons. He is the latest player to defend Simmons after Dwight Howard did so earlier.
Arenas stated both were prima donnas during their time in the league, and he even discussed Simmons as a shooter on former teammate Etan Thomas’ podcast.
Gilbert Arenas got fired up when asked about Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley calling Ben Simmons a "prima donna."
Arenas defended Simmons and called out Shaq and Barkley for being prima donnas back when they played.
Here is Arenas' full quote from @etanthomas36's podcast: pic.twitter.com/B9mSgjqgZp
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) November 12, 2021
The Sixers have to figure this situation out, but when it comes to the criticism Simmons has received, maybe Arenas has a point. Mental health is a serious issue. But, it is not that hard to send a text to Simmons’ employer to keep it in the loop. At this point, Philadelphia may just need to trade him and get this thing over with.
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