Arguably the greatest coach in Philadelphia history, Herb Magee, didn’t have any kind words for Ben Simmons during his press conference Wednesday afternoon. Magee is the current head coach at Jefferson University, having held the role since 1967, and has been part of the team as an assistant or player since 1960.

On Wednesday, Magee coached his final regular-season game against USciences, winning 82-56. Following the game, the coach known as the “shot doctor” was asked if he would be willing to help Ben Simmons fix his jumper.

Magee went in on Simmons, holding nothing back.

That’s not going to happen. My wife and I, Geri, when we go out to dinner, we go shopping. I’ll get pulled aside, ‘Coach, can I ask you a question?’ I said sure. ‘When are you going to work with Ben Simmons?’ I said that’s not going to happen. I said the same answer all the time. Brett Brown, who I became friends with, he asked me to do it one day, and I said, ‘I will, but you’ve got to ask Ben Simmons.’ And he never got back to me.

So obviously, Ben is the type of guy who doesn’t really want to improve. Could I help him? Of course. But let’s be honest – I’ve never seen you play, Mike – but you could help him, too. Because he really needs it. It’s a shame.”

One of the more infamous tales of Simmons’ time in Philadelphia was his refusal to work with team trainers. Instead, he forced the team to allow him to hire his brother as his shooting coach.

The cycle is starting all over again in Brooklyn, with Steve Nash saying Simmons doesn’t need to shoot and is great at everything else he does. 

Brooklyn will be back in Philadelphia on March 10th, but it’s highly doubtful Simmons will make the trip.

Mandatory Credit: Jefferson Rams