NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal offered his advice to Ben Simmons, who is looking to make a comeback in a Nets uniform.
One of the most controversial players of recent times, Ben Simmons remains a constant in the headlines despite not playing a single game since the 2021 playoffs.
It’s been a downhill road for the former ROTY after the semifinals against the Hawks, becoming the villain overnight.
While there is no doubting his talent, shooting is still a huge drawback for the Aussie Native. The scars from the series against the Hawks in 2021 still seem new for Simmons, with Trae Young and company making the former Sixers guard a subject of endless criticism and ridicule.
👎 Ben Simmons has the WORST Free Throw % of ANY player in the game #NBA playoffs by LONG shot: 32.8% (20% worse than next player)
Simmons: 27 missed free throws in series vs. Hawks, including 10 in GM 5#sixers – WORST free throw shooting team in the playoffs – missed 16 FTs in GM5 pic.twitter.com/p7AJbh792C
—Jeff Skversky (@JeffSkversky) June 17, 2021
The term Hack-A-Simmons had gained national attention, with Simmons deliberately fouling and sent to the free throw line only to miss most of his shots. What followed was a series of events involving the three-time All-Star at odds with the Sixers’ front office when he forced a trade.
Also Read: “Ben Simmons Needs to Know the Difference Between Health and Strength!”: Shaquille O’Neal Delivers Some Fierce Criticisms of New Nets Star’s Path on Inside the NBA
As he faces the ultimate litmus test in the upcoming 2022-23 season, Simmons should revisit the advice given to him by 7-foot center Shaquille O’Neal.
“You have to have that mental toughness”: Shaquille O’Neal tells Ben Simmons to persevere.
The Big Diesel has been quite critical of Simmons following the latter’s feud with the Sixers. In the past, we’ve seen Shaq call out the All-Star guard for posting photos with his Ferrari and his actress friends while he missed games.
During an interview with Taylor Rooks earlier this year, the Lakers legend questioned the duality of Simmons’ anxiety issues, citing his Gucci outfits and gold chains.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRaZhJRAVTg
However, Shaq, who has always been critical of Simmons, has advice for him as well. In the clip below, the four-time champion advises the former Sixers guard, citing his struggles at the free throw line.
While Diesel is sympathetic to Big Ben, he tells him to be mentally stronger.
“Ben doesn’t talk much, I wish him the best. I know he’s going through some personal stuff, but I know to get to the next level, you have to have that mental toughness,” said Big Diesel.
“It’s okay to be scared, you think, I wasn’t scared after missing 9 free throws in a row and everyone is laughing at me, I have to shoot.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoQc5IsgFlo
The 6-foot-11 guard is a 14.7% career shooter from the 3-point line and 59.7% from the free throw line. However, Simmons joining forces with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving helps him take advantage of his strengths to execute offense and defense.
Also read: “Does Ben Simmons have anxiety wearing Gucci 300K, big chains and rings?”: Shaquille O’Neal questions the mental health of the former Sixers guard
