Sixers

“He Shouldn’t Give Two Craps” – a Ben Simmons Criticism Update

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: May 25th, 2021 · 2:06 PM EDT

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Ben Simmons criticism update –

Even though the Sixers actually won the basketball game on Sunday, some people were upset that Simmons only scored six points. He was 0-6 from the free throw line but added 15 assists and 15 rebounds while playing solid defense.

And look, if people feel that Ben isn’t getting it done, that’s perfectly fine. Maybe his offense becomes a huge liability when the Sixers play a decent team. But Doc Rivers was again asked about the criticism and again blew it off completely, saying this:

Doc Rivers on some reaction that Ben Simmons only had 6 points with 15 assists and 15 rebounds

“Only in Philadelphia”

“If you don’t know the treasure you have in Ben Simmons…. Shame on everyone. I’m amazed people don’t see what he does” pic.twitter.com/jKXWXDxqgg

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) May 25, 2021

Doc knows exactly what he’s doing with these comments. After Brett Brown challenged Simmons to give him more on the offensive end, and ultimately failed, Rivers is doing the total opposite, and just appeasing Ben instead. Letting him play the game he wants to play. Encouraging him to do the things he’s good at and keep his focus there.

Is it the right strategy, blowing sunshine up asses in these media sessions? Maybe, maybe not. We’ll find out when the Sixers get further in the playoffs.

George Hill was also asked about this:

George Hill on Ben Simmons: “He shouldn’t give two craps what you guys say.”

— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) May 25, 2021

Well, he doesn’t. Ben hasn’t given one-tenth of a shit about the media since he got to the league, and I don’t blame him. There’s a lot of unfair stuff said and written about him. A lot of people will (justifiably) criticize him for the shooting but won’t turn around and give credit when he does have a good game, and that’s really the issue here. It’s not being right or wrong, it’s about just trying to be fair, and if we’re gonna rip Ben for his offense, we need to credit his defense, passing, and tempo setting. And if you’re on the other side, and think he’s the most amazing player ever, then it’s naive to ignore his flaws as well. It seems like nobody is capable of just calling it how it is.

Getting reasonable analysis RE: Ben Simmons is like finding a needle in a haystack. He is the most polarizing player in Philadelphia now that Carson Wentz is gone.