Shaquille O’Neal criticizes Ben Simmons work ethic

Former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal has not held back his criticisms against Ben Simmons for the last several years, especially during the ongoing trade rumors. Yesterday Shaq was on “The DA Show” with Damon Amendolara and did not hold back his thoughts about Simmons’ work ethic.

We can make the assumption that you’re not putting in the work. People who put in the work, when you see the product, you’re saying, ‘Oh, okay, he’s been working.’ But I don’t want to see Instagrams of you making 15 to 19-footers and then when you’re down one, dribbling under the basket when you have a guy who’s 5-foot-1 on you to pass to somebody else because you’re scared to go to the line… 

“I saw a look in Ben’s eyes that I’ve never seen before. You can ask for a trade all you want. But you still have to work on your game. And you’re still obligated to put on a great show because they’re paying you and us a lot of money.” – Shaquille O’Neal

What Shaq said isn’t incorrect at all here. Simmons has been posting videos of him shooting in the gym for several seasons and has yet to implement it into his game. Meanwhile, Simmons says he has no interest in raising his trade value which directly correlates to improving his game.

Right after the Atlanta Hawks eliminated the 76ers, Shaquille O’Neal said on Inside the NBA if Ben Simmons was on his team, he would’ve “knocked his ass out.” Both O’Neal and his friend Charles Barkley have been heavily critical of the disgruntled Sixers star, and for once, many Philly fans are on their side. For the 76ers, training camp is just a few weeks away, with a Simmons trade likely coming around that time.