Ben Simmons Claps Back at Stephen A. Smith’s Criticism: “Basketball Is My Life”

NBA Trade Rumors: Ben Simmons Claps Back at Stephen A. Smith’s Criticism: “Basketball Is My Life”

Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons isn’t holding back when it comes to responding to media criticism, particularly from ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.

In an interview with ClutchPoints’ Tomer Azarly, Simmons dismissed the ongoing narrative questioning his commitment to basketball.

“That’s them making s--t up. Like, imagine if I just said, name whoever, and said whatever. It doesn't hold any weight, you know?”

Simmons, 28, has been a frequent target of media scrutiny, especially regarding his injury struggles and alleged lack of passion for the game. However, the former No. 1 overall pick insists that basketball has been his entire life.

“Basketball is my life. I don’t want to play with my life. That’s who I am. It’s in the family, it’s in the blood. This is what I do.”

Stephen A. Smith’s Ongoing Criticism of Simmons

Stephen A. Smith has publicly questioned Simmons’ love for the game on multiple occasions. During a July 2024 appearance on The OGs Show, Smith stated:

“He don’t want to play. He don’t love the game. I’m not saying he wasn’t injured, but I’m talking about an absence of love for the game. Remember, he was missing games before he was injured.”

Ben Simmons, however, believes the negativity from the media has a damaging effect on the NBA as a whole.

“For the league, it 100 percent has a negative domino effect. Because nothing’s really valid now. Everyone can say what they want.”

Ben Simmons’ Injury History and NBA Journey

Once regarded as a future superstar, Simmons burst onto the scene with the Philadelphia 76ers, winning Rookie of the Year in 2018 and making three consecutive All-Star appearances (2018-21). However, his career has been plagued by injuries and off-court drama.

• 2021-22: Missed entire season dentire season duentire season duentire season duentire season duue to a holdout and back injury
• 2022: Traded to the Brooklyn Nets, but played only 42 games in two seasons due to ongoing health issues
• 2024: Bought out by Brooklyn before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers

This season, Simmons has played 40 games between Brooklyn and L.A., averaging 6.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 53.7% from the field.

What’s Next for Ben Simmons?
Now with the Clippers, Simmons is looking to prove his critics wrong by staying healthy and finishing the season strong. Despite past setbacks, his passion for basketball remains unwavering, and he sees himself staying involved in the sport long after his playing days.

“Even when I step away from the game one day, I’ll still be involved—whether it’s coaching, helping the youth, or giving back. That’s just what I’m going to do.”

As Simmons continues his comeback, all eyes will be on his performance with the Clippers and whether he can silence the doubters once and for all.