Things have not been pretty for Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons since the team was eliminated by the Atlanta Hawks in Round 2 of the playoffs. Simmons wrapped up a disappointing postseason by scoring only five points on four shots in Game 7 at home and he has received a lot of criticism for that.
Since then, Simmons has been involved in tons of trade talks and scenarios as the outside world has been brutal for the 3-time All-Star since that final game. A lot of the criticism is valid considering the magnitude of the game as well as the fact that this is not the first time this has happened.
Former teammate, and now Indiana Pacers guard, T.J. McConnell hopped on “The Old Man and the Three” podcast with another former Sixer, JJ Redick, and he discussed the criticism Simmons has received since they were ousted in the playoffs:
I certainly think that if they were in a smaller market where they weren’t as passionate about their sports teams, I think his life would be differnt, but I completely agree with Doc (Rivers). After having a front row seat watching Ben, he defies gravity, physics, and all the above. Like you sit there and you’re like, ‘This guy’s incredible the way he’s able to see the floor’. Out in transition, in my personal opinion, he’s one of the hardest guys to stop in the entire league, and I personally think it’s unfair what’s happening to him. Does he need to shoot more? Sure, but he’s not, to me, the single handed reason that they lost and I really feel bad for him.
McConnell hopped on “The Bell Ringer” podcast with Sixers Wire in the past and he blasted the criticism that both Simmons and Joel Embiid has received during their time in Philadelphia. While McConnell has a point, at some point, Simmons just has to be able to show more aggression on the offensive end of the floor.
It will certainly be interesting what the Sixers will do this upcoming offseason with their star guard.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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