“Don’t complaint about people talking, dog” - Stephen Jackson rips Ben Simmons for comments on Philly fans

ben-simmons

When it comes to the public enemy of Philadelphia 76ers fans, no one fits the bill quite like Ben Simmons. That became evident when his latest return to Philly once again prompted a chorus of boos. Simmons’ casual response, labeling the crowd’s reaction as “funny,” did little to repair the fractured relationship.

Stephen Jackson, a former NBA player turned podcaster, believes that Simmons’ comments missed the mark and that Ben should reflect on his own actions rather than adding fuel to the fire.

“I just want him to stop worrying about what people are saying and play basketball…if you can get back out there and play, then play, and that’ll shut everybody up. But don’t complain about people talking, dog, when you have done so many things for us not to talk about,” remarked Jackson in a recent ‘All the Smoke’ episode.

The main issue for ‘Captain Jack’

Simmons was highly regarded when he joined the franchise following the 2016 NBA Draft. He quickly lived up to the expectations by winning the ROY award in 2018 and earning three All-Star nods. Playoff success, however, eluded the team, with Simmons’ offensive limitations partly to blame. After yet another disappointment, losing in the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals, his relationship with fans and the franchise reached its lowest point, and he wanted out.

After being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in February 2022, Simmons has not been able to match his previous level of performance – although he had scarce opportunity to even show that in one piece. The Australian has played only 50 games for the Nets due to persistent back issues, a particularly concerning issue for ‘Captain Jack.’

“You’re not playing the game; they can’t talk about you playing bad because you’re not playing,” said Jackson. “They talk about you not playing at all, so, and that’s what the story is. Nobody’s not making up nothing.”

Still rooting for Simmons

Still, it seems like Jackson and his co-host, also a former player, Matt Barnes, haven’t written off the point guard just yet. Stephen further remarked he simply wants Simmons “back on the court,” as he is “a fan,” and Barnes even pointed out some quite promising signs in Ben’s recent performances.

“I feel like he’s such a talent. His first game back, he almost had a triple-double, I think, in under 20 minutes,” he remarked.

Indeed, Simmons had a standout performance against Utah in late January, contributing 10 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, one block, and one steal while shooting a perfect 5-5 from the field, all in just 18 minutes of play.

However, frustratingly, he soon found himself sidelined once again due to injury. Some have therefore speculated that mental challenges may be playing a role in his struggles, including Barnes.

“Ben has obviously missed a ton of games, but I’m more to the point like I just really want him to get his mental right and get back out there,” concluded Barnes.